The Power of Her: Honouring the Women Who Inspire, Lead, and Empower

This International Women's Day, we are proud to launch The Power of Her, a campaign that celebrates the extraordinary women who have shaped our journey and continue to inspire our vision. As a female-founded business, we understand the profound impact of women’s leadership, resilience, and collective strength. Today, we take a moment to honour not only the women within our team but also the incredible individuals who have supported and empowered us along the way.

In this campaign, we share the voices of women who have been instrumental in our growth—leaders, mentors, and allies who have given their time, wisdom, and unwavering support. Through their stories, we are reminded of the power of community, the importance of collaboration, and the boundless potential of women across all fields.

We invite you to read these powerful interviews, and in doing so, celebrate the women who continue to push boundaries, inspire change, and pave the way for future generations.

Stories from the Women at withinUs®

What does "The Strength withinUs®" mean to you, and how do you embody that strength?

The Strength withinUs is resilience and staying true to your values, adapting when life doesn’t go as planned, and pushing forward when things get tough. Strength is built through challenges, growth, and facing fears head-on.

My Japanese heritage taught me the power of respect, loyalty, and perseverance. “Gambatte” means giving your best effort no matter the outcome. It has guided me throughout my life, a quiet strength embodied by my grandparents and parents through humility, hard work, and gratitude, values that continue to shape withinUs.

Growing withinUs tested me in ways I never imagined, pushing me beyond my limits and revealing an inner strength I didn’t know I had. It shaped me as both a leader and a person. Surviving breast cancer and navigating personal and professional hardships nearly broke me. But strength isn’t about avoiding adversity; it’s about standing back up, staying grounded, and moving forward.

Gambatte!

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

“Lift as you rise." Success isn’t just personal; it comes with the responsibility to create opportunities for others. This mindset shapes how I approach life and work, focusing not only on achievement but also on elevating those around me.

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

I hope to build a company that fosters loyalty, connection, and generosity, driving meaningful, lasting change. Through withinUs, I want to show that business can be a force for good, rooted in sustainability, ethical leadership, and empowering others, especially women, to embrace their strength.

I strive to be intentional with my time, generous in support, and lead with integrity by challenging the status quo. My goal is for the impact I make to ripple outward, inspiring others to pay it forward and create positive change.

I’m grateful for the chance to do this work and be part of something bigger than myself.

What does "The Strength withinUs®" mean to you, and how do you embody that strength?

To me “strength” has so many meanings … the strong benefits collagen creates for a person's body, the premium quality in which withinUs does everything, and the strong values of the founder, company and team.  All of these resonate with me and why I am inspired by withinUs.

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

Good leaders take the time to pause, step out of their day to day, reflect, celebrate the wins, and creatively work through the challenges with their team no matter how hard.

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

Lift people up; rise up.

What does "The Strength withinUs®" mean to you, and how do you embody that strength?

Inner strength and health - withinus reinforces overall well-being and strength comes from within.

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

My mantra always - Live by truth - lead with kindness

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

It might sound a bit cheesy, but when I’m navigating difficult times or stepping into something new and uncomfortable, I often will leverage positive affirmations to shift my mindset: I am capable, strong, enough, powerful, learning, growing—an evolving human. I often will seek evidence in my lived experiences to help validate these affirmations as well so I can encourage a healthy sense of self during challenges.

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

I believe our inner world shapes the world around us, and when individuals prioritize their overall well-being, it ripples outward. My hope is to inspire others to care for themselves in a way that not only strengthens them but also contributes to a healthier, more connected society.

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

“To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did"

This quote is one of my favourites and is a powerful reminder that growth requires change and creativity. It’s easy to stay in familiar patterns, but real progress comes from stepping outside our comfort zones and trying new approaches. This has helped me push through challenges, knowing that new opportunities and success come from embracing the unknown.

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

I want my lasting impact on the community to be that I was someone who truly cared. Whether through small, thoughtful gestures or showing up when it mattered most, I hope to be remembered for my kindness, generosity, and the way I made others feel seen and supported.

What does "The Strength withinUs®" mean to you, and how do you embody that strength?

The Power of Resilience: As a full-time working mom, strength means balancing career and family while embracing every challenge with confidence and grace.

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

Mentorship for Women in Business: Supporting other women, especially moms and newcomers, in building successful careers or businesses.

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

One of my favourite quotes is from Maya Angelou "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better". Acknowledge and learn from your mistakes and make conscious efforts to improve and to focus on continuous improvement vs perfection from the start.

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

If I could leave one lasting impact on the world or community, it would be fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. Lead by example to instill the next generation with strong values, purpose and community. Leave the world a little better than you found it!

What does "The Strength withinUs® mean to you, and how do you embody that strength?

For me, The Strength withinUs® represents the collective resilience and supportive spirit that defines our community. It’s about recognizing that our power comes not from individual achievements alone but from how we uplift and empower one another. I embody this strength by actively seeking out opportunities to learn and grow, by offering support to my colleagues during challenging times, and by staying true to my values—honesty, empathy, and perseverance. Every day, whether I’m collaborating on a project or simply lending an ear, I aim to contribute positively to our shared journey and foster an environment where every voice is heard.

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

"In every challenge lies the seed of opportunity."

This mantra reminds me to look beyond the immediate difficulties and search for the growth hidden within every setback. It encourages me to embrace challenges as necessary stepping stones for both personal and collective evolution, inspiring me to persist and find creative solutions even in tough times.

If you could share one quote or mantra that has guided you through challenges, what would it be?

Quotes and mantras serve me in different ways at different seasons of my life, so choosing one as a guiding principle can be tricky. However, I recently came across something that really resonates with me right now: “Life is so subtle sometimes that you barely notice yourself walking through doors you once prayed would open.” It reminds me that we often move so quickly that we forget how far we've come. Be proud of yourself, and be proud of the work that you’re doing - even if it feels small at the time. 

What would it be if you could leave one lasting impact on the world or your community?

If I could leave one lasting impact on the world or my community, it would be to make people feel joy and feel included. I want to create a space where everyone feels seen and appreciated, and where laughter is woven into everything we do. Life can be tough, and if I can bring even a little lightness and connection to someone's day, that would be enough for me.

Stories from the Women that have supported withinUs®

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience, and how has it shaped you? 

I have learned that resilience is a choice in mindset and that staying open to change and finding solutions for my overall goal instead of focusing on obstacles is what helps me move forward. For me resilience hasn't just been about enduring tough times; it has been about learning, evolving, and coming out stronger on the other side.

What advice would you give to other women striving to break barriers or overcome challenges?

To get clear on what the underlying WHY is. Once I get clear on my Why, there is a deeper purpose that feels exciting and unstoppable.  

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience and how has it shaped me?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned about resilience is that it starts with me. I’ve learned in my darkest days that I’m a lot stronger than I give myself credit for, but I can’t do it all on my own. As high-performing women, we often fall into the trap of feeling like we’re not enough, which can be a crippling mindset. I’ve learned that having a trusted community—a personal board of people who remind you of your truth—is essential. There have been times when I’ve been so beat down that I struggled to believe in myself, but the people who loved me held space for me, carried me through, and reminded me that I was never alone. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about allowing others to walk with you in both your triumphs and your darkest moments.

What's your advice for women striving to break barriers or overcome obstacles?

My advice to women striving to break barriers or overcome challenges is this: no matter how low or defeated you feel, if you have even an ounce of will and the right support, you can make it through—I know this because it saved me. Your inner critic, along with negative people and experiences, does not define you. Don’t let those voices dictate who you are or what you’re capable of. Instead of pushing people away, lean on those who uplift you—community can be your compass, guiding you back to your truth. However, true change starts with you. While resilience isn’t built overnight, it grows through small courageous steps forward, even when the path feels uncertain.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience, and how has it shaped you?

The thing about resilience is that you won’t discover how resilient you are… until you have to be resilient. You’ll be in a situation where giving up isn’t an option and you’ll have to dig deeper than you ever have before to get yourself to where you want to be. 

What I’ve learned from those situations is that I don’t have to be resilient all on my own. It’s up to me to get myself to where I want to be, but when I need a break or I’m having a hard time digging deeper, there is always someone in my corner to lean on. My village, my people will always be there for me. And for that I am eternally grateful. 

What advice would you give to other women striving to break barriers or overcome challenges?

Find your village, find your people and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are stronger together. 

As Serena Williams said: “Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on."

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience, and how has it shaped you?

Resillience is often seen as toughness, but I think that being vulnerable, allowing yourself to really feel and be in “it” when things are challenging, helps to build character and ultimately aid in propelling you towards your goals.  WIll you be willing to learn from the past, or will you close down and double down on your position? Will you see challenges as a door to walk through to learning and understanding, or a wall that everyone else has put there to keep you from being your best you and achieving your wants?  As an artist, I have received a LOT of NOs and been told constantly that what I have to offer is not right when viewed through someone’s subjective lens.  Know your worth. Know your boundaries. Stick to your plan with grace, intelligence and integrity.  Do not let the noise of someone else’s life get in the way of achieving yours. 

What advice would you give to other women striving to break barriers or overcome challenges?

My advice would be to surround yourself with a community of cheerleaders for whom you feel you could cheerlead too. Oh, and sleep is a non-negotiable….and stay hydrated. Literally. 

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience, and how has it shaped you?

Resilience can be hard. Life tests you constantly, and it takes a lot of patience to keep going. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help. Leaning on the people around you is what keeps you moving forward. Resilience isn’t about going solo; it’s knowing when to let others help you through the tough times. 

What advice would you give to other women striving to break barriers or overcome challenges?

My advice would be to build a community of people who truly uplift and support you. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share the same drive and ambition to create and push boundaries. When you have the right people around you, those challenges become a little easier to face.

Giving Back to Our Community: The withinUs to Give Initiative

At withinUs, we’re committed to making a positive impact through our withinUs to Give initiative. We’re excited to sponsor wellness events across Canada and beyond, promoting health while supporting meaningful causes.

In Vancouver and Toronto, we’re partnering with Ride Cycle Club and Turf classes to provide participants with our products during high-energy workouts. In partnership with Ride Cycle Club, we are donating to The Canadian Women’s Foundation - where funds go to help women, girls, and gender-diverse people break barriers, build independence, and lead, creating safer communities and safer futures.

Additionally, we’re sponsoring a yoga class by Shavonne Wood in Fraserville, an Aboriginal Women’s Retreat in Alberta, and a Women’s Business Retreat in Palm Springs, all focused on empowerment and wellness.

Through withinUs to Give, we’re helping individuals prioritize their health while supporting their communities. 

Join us as we work to create a healthier, stronger, and more connected world.

 


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