Interview with the Founder

When the pandemic hit, everything changed. Two of my clients declared bankruptcy, and another tragically passed away, which caused a near collapse of my business overnight. I realized I had to completely pivot to survive, and at the same time, I saw how women entrepreneurs were being disproportionately affected by the crisis. Many of them were struggling to keep their businesses afloat while also juggling family responsibilities, and they didn’t have access to the technical skills or resources they needed to adapt quickly. This sparked the idea for Shepreneur Squad, a community-powered initiative where women could access mentorship, affordable marketing tools, and digital strategies to help them rebuild and thrive. By integrating this mission into 5ONE9 DESIGN, I shifted from being just a service provider to being a partner in creating lasting, scalable solutions for women-led businesses.

Shepreneur Squad challenges the outdated, transactional model of women’s networking by creating a hybrid ecosystem where community, education, and done-for-you marketing support co-exist under one roof.

Most organizations focus on either networking or training — Shepreneur Squad does both, while also providing behind-the-scenes marketing execution through its invisible partner agency, 5ONE9 DESIGN. This lets members not only learn but implement, closing the gap between knowledge and action.

Where others simply connect women, Shepreneur Squad builds capacity by:

Teaching women how to leverage AI and emerging tech in their businesses, making cutting-edge tools accessible to non-technical founders.

Prioritizing ethical marketing practices, setting a new standard in an industry often plagued by manipulative tactics.

Creating a safe, inclusive space where collaboration replaces competition, fostering authentic relationships that fuel long-term growth.

The project is bold because it redefines what success looks like for women entrepreneurs. Instead of the hustle culture of burnout and isolation, Shepreneur Squad models a sustainable, empowering approach to business growth — one where women lift each other up and share resources freely.

Awareness & Reach: As a new organization, the biggest hurdle has been getting visibility and earning trust in a crowded market of networking groups and marketing “gurus.” Many women have been burned before by surface-level programs, so building credibility takes time and consistent results.

Limited Resources: Operating as a bootstrapped startup meant doing a lot with very little — no big budgets for ads, paid staff, or expensive platforms. Every process had to be lean, scrappy, and creative.

Bridging the Tech Gap: Many members feel overwhelmed by AI, SEO, and digital tools. Simplifying complex technology so women feel empowered rather than intimidated has been a constant challenge.

Expand Our Community: Grow membership regionally and eventually nationwide, connecting women entrepreneurs across Canada through both virtual and in-person events.

Launch a Digital Learning Hub: Build an online library of free and low-cost resources, including AI training, ethical marketing guides, and masterclasses.

Mentorship Program: Create a formal peer-to-peer mentorship network so experienced members can guide newcomers.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with local colleges, women-focused nonprofits, and municipal business centers to extend our reach and resources.

Annual Shepreneur Showcase: Host a signature event celebrating women-led businesses, giving members visibility and networking opportunities.

Data-Driven Impact Tracking: Measure and publish impact reports to demonstrate the number of women served, businesses launched, and economic growth generated.

I host free virtual workshops and live training sessions to teach AI, ethical marketing, and business growth strategies. This gives early-stage entrepreneurs access to valuable knowledge without financial barriers.

Mentoring Women Entrepreneurs:  I provide informal mentorship to women starting out in business, sharing guidance, resources, and connections.

Speaking Engagements:  I participate in local events, panels, and networking groups, sharing my expertise on marketing, digital transformation, and ethical business practices, inspiring other entrepreneurs to embrace innovation.

Collaboration with Local Organizations:  I partner with nonprofits, women’s business centers, and community groups, offering my time and skills to help them support underrepresented founders.

Thought Leadership:  Through social media, blogs, and live streams, I create free educational content that demystifies business tech and marketing for women who don’t yet have access to formal programs.