International Women’s Day 2025: Honouring the Women Driving Change in Business and Our Community

Each year on International Women’s Day (IWD), we take the opportunity to celebrate the inspiring women entrepreneurs in our client community. These women are not only leading successful businesses but are also making a meaningful impact in their industries and beyond.

This year, we’re proud to spotlight three DMCL clients. These women-led businesses embody innovation, resilience, and community impact. Through their leadership, these entrepreneurs are creating spaces that uplift others, champion sustainability, and bring people together.

Owners: Moe Brody, Pamela Rose & Sabine Clifford

What inspired you to start your business?

From day one in 1985, the mission was to create an inclusive, fun community where we uplift anyone who craves to move.

Young and old, beginner and expert, we support people in reaching their personal and professional dance goals. As dancers ourselves, we know the joy that is created through movement and music. We are dedicated to providing a space for each person to explore their journey in dance.

What do you enjoy most about being a small business owner?

Being small business owners of a dance studio allows us, as three women, to create a space where passion, creativity, and community thrive. We love having the freedom to shape a welcoming environment that nurtures dancers of all levels while building meaningful relationships with our students and instructors. It’s empowering to lead a business that not only fuels our own artistic fulfillment but also inspires the next generation of dancers or those that need an outlet to simply “dance it out.”

A milestone you’re proud of?

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our dance studio! For four decades, our studio has been a home for dancers of all levels. From the countless classes and performances to the lifelong friendships formed within our walls, we are so grateful for everyone who has been part of our journey. As we look ahead, we remain committed to inspiring, supporting, and sharing the joy of dance. Here’s to 40 years of movement, music, and memories—and many more to come!

What should people know about your work?

Harbour Dance Centre offers Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Contemporary Jazz, Hip Hop, Afro Fundamentals, Advanced Choreography, Tap, House, Grooving, Theatre Jazz, K-Pop, Heels/Keep it Sexy, Jazz Funk, Pointe, Progressing Ballet Technique, Stretch & Strength, and Bollywood. If there’s an inner Fred Astaire, Beyoncé, or Misty Copeland dying to get out—come live it up with us!

Debrand – Leading the Charge in Sustainable Fashion

Co-Founder: Amelia Eleiter

What inspired you to start your business?

Our journey began in 2008 when my co-founder, Wes Baker, and I witnessed branded waste polluting the waters of Sri Lanka. That moment sparked a realization: brands could and should take greater responsibility for their products. This became the foundation for Debrand, where we help apparel and footwear brands embrace circularity by keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and innovative solutions.

What do you enjoy most about being a small business owner?

Seeing how a small but mighty team can build scalable solutions that redefine the way brands approach sustainability. Every day, we push boundaries and collaborate with leading brands to prove that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, and it wouldn’t be possible without each member of the Debrand team.

A milestone you’re proud of?

Seventeen years in business! In an evolving industry like ours, longevity is a testament to our impact. One of our proudest achievements is launching ReitenRight, which repurposes damaged yoga mats into equestrian flooring—proving that innovation can turn waste into opportunity.

What should people know about your work?

The path to circular and sustainable apparel is both challenging and rewarding. We’re driving cutting-edge technology solutions to help brands maximize the value of discarded textiles, reduce waste, and rethink how products are designed, used, and repurposed. Every choice we make today influences the future of our planet.

Cream Pony – A Mother-Daughter Duo Creating Community Through Food

Owners: Erin and Alix Finn

What inspired you to start your business?

Cream Pony was born from a dream! My mom, Erin, always wanted to have a business of her own—and donuts just made sense. She often reminisces about growing up in North Vancouver, where Harmony Donuts were a staple at birthday parties, sports games, and school events. Our family has been enjoying them for generations, and they’re still around today!

She always imagined herself in a small shop, making donuts and playing the ukulele. But reality had something even bigger in store—and that’s how we became a mother-daughter duo running this incredible business together.

We’re both passionate about great food and building a strong, welcoming community, and Cream Pony has become exactly that. Our mission is simple: serve amazing people delicious food and make them feel at home. It’s still surreal to see my mom’s little dream turn into something so special, and I know she feels the same.

What do you enjoy most about being a small business owner?

Being a business owner is a wild ride—full of highs, lows, and a whole lot of donut-fueled passion! But at the end of the day, it all comes down to the people.

From our amazing team of 20 to our incredible customers who cheer us on every step of the way, they make it all worth it. There’s truly nothing better than serving great food to someone you know by name!

A milestone you’re proud of?

We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in just three short years! In the early days, we were figuring things out one day at a time—juggling supply orders, schedules, and food prep, all while trying to share our story and build our name. It was a whirlwind!

Fast forward to today, and we have seamless systems in place that make daily operations run smoothly. There’s no better feeling than knowing we’re prepared and that our team is thriving in the right roles. Looking back, we can’t help but wonder—how did we ever manage in those early days?

One of our biggest achievements has been transitioning from working in the business to working on it. Reaching that point has been a game-changer, and we’re so excited for what’s ahead!

What should people know about your work?

We’re incredibly proud of our product, our team, and the community we’re building. Cream Pony is more than just a shop—you can find our donuts in coffee spots across North Van, West Van, and downtown Vancouver (bring them to your next event because nothing beats custom mini donuts!). If you can’t make it to Lower Lonsdale, let us bring a little CP magic to you. We believe in keeping it real, sharing the highs and lows of small business life, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Follow along on Instagram to see what really happens behind the scenes—Giddy Up!

Celebrating the Power of Women in Business

These three incredible DMCL clients are proof of the impact women entrepreneurs can have—not only in their industries but in the communities they serve. From fostering sustainability and innovation to building spaces where people can connect, create, and grow, these leaders are shaping a better future for all.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the resilience, vision, and hard work of women in business. Thank you to Amelia, Erin, Alix, Moe, and their teams for inspiring us all.