Ontario Built

  In downtown Hamilton, Ontario, there’s a place where leather isn’t just sold — it’s understood, respected, and shared. For more than six decades, the storefront that now houses Tundra Leather has been a cornerstone for makers. Since 1991, under the name Tundra Leather, it has grown into a trusted supply shop, workshop, and learning space for leatherworkers at every stage. Today, Tundra Leather is led by Kristi Grove, who manages the day-to-day operations of the family business her parents built. While her mother, Sylvia Grove, is technically the owner, Kristi carries the responsibility — and the legacy — forward with care. Leatherwork has always been part of Kristi’s life. She grew up surrounded by hides, tools, and the steady rhythm of making. Her father, Peter Grove, discovered leatherworking at just nine years old during a summer skills camp, a passion that followed him throughout his life. Over the years, Peter worked on and off with Tandy Leather, refining his skills and dee...

DSRT CO. is not your average chocolate business. At its core, the brand blends dessert concepts with art, creating chocolate and sweet treats that are just as visually striking as they are fun to eat. Founded by Summer Badawi, DSRT CO. has grown from a deeply personal creative pursuit into a business with a global audience—driven largely by social media and an unwavering commitment to creativity. “I’ve baked since I was a teenager,” Badawi says. “Making dessert for people always brought me a lot of joy, and I was always a creative person. Making creative food was the ideal combination for me.” Badawi is the sole owner of DSRT CO., and while entrepreneurship wasn’t always part of a clear plan, creativity always was. Before launching the business, she explored many different avenues—some adjacent to baking, others entirely separate. She holds a Master of Arts in political science and worked in immigration and employment services after graduating. Despite her qualifications, she struggled...

  In a time when human connection feels increasingly fractured by digital distractions, remote work, and fast-paced professional environments, one woman is working to rebuild those vital bonds—with intention, compassion, and lasting impact. WholeHearted, a social impact-driven event agency founded by Catherine "Cat" McGuire, is doing more than just planning events. It's creating experiences that matter. With a mission rooted in purpose and powered by empathy, WholeHearted helps organizations come together in ways that not only strengthen internal relationships but also extend meaningful support to their broader communities. Launched in 2021 and born from the turbulence of 2020, WholeHearted was founded at a time when the world was redefining work, connection, and the role of businesses in society. While many companies were scrambling to adapt, Cat McGuire saw a unique opportunity to bring people together in a way that was both innovative and deeply human. “I wanted to tak...

When Sara and Shanna were both diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic, they were thrust into one of life’s most difficult challenges at a young age—and in isolation. With hospitals enforcing visitor restrictions and social circles shrinking under lockdowns, their journeys through cancer treatment were marked not only by physical hardship, but also by an overwhelming sense of loneliness. But from that hardship, something beautiful began to bloom. Sara, a former primary school teacher, and Shanna, a registered nurse, met on Instagram. Their shared diagnosis— invasive ductal carcinoma —and mutual feelings of isolation sparked a powerful bond. They began meeting monthly, and during one of their casual catch-ups at a local pub, the idea for Bloom Club was born. They wondered: If we’re longing for connection, how many others are too? That question became the seed of Bloom Club—a grassroots charity dedicated to offering free, joy-focused adventures and activities for young self-id...