Holding both a degree in Political Science from Cape Breton University and later a Business Administration Diploma from Nova Scotia Community College, Ashley is a lover of the arts who is passionate about music, books, and theatre.  

Professionally, her journey began in the start-up world, where she spent ten years working for two local start-ups. Often wearing many hats, earning her the title of “Master of Making it Happen.” “You really have to dive in and get your hands dirty. I did almost every job function you can think of in this environment – marketing, sales, customer support, inventory management, grant writing, legal, international travel & tradeshows, liaising with local industry and government, HR, and more. These experiences provided me with a unique, “on the ground” type of experience that I think translates well into the role at CWB. I’ve also worked closely and networked with dozens of local entrepreneurs in this role – my connections as vast.”  

Ashley then spent over five years in the tech sector, specializing in data storage and IT. In this role, she continued to develop her skills in marketing, technical writing, webinar facilitation for global audiences, and cross-border event management. 

Outside of work, you can find her enjoying Cape Breton’s vibrant music scene or working at the beautiful Savoy Theatre, “I’m keen to find new opportunities to volunteer and serve my community.”  

She’s also a proud dog mom to her rough collie, Luna, and loves spending time outdoors; whether hiking, walking, or heading to the beach. Summer is her favourite season, often spent “Out on the Mira” with friends. 

Joining the CWB is a natural fit. “Women’s empowerment, women’s success, women helping women, inclusion, diversity all of this just aligns for me from a moral compass perspective. They’re all incredibly important and fundamentally what I believe at my core. I’ve always wanted to work for an organization like CWB, and the lucky stars aligned when this role opened. Between my community connections, my work for start-ups in the past and the general business skills I’ve acquired, I took the leap and applied. Now, here I am! And I couldn’t be more excited to help serve and support all women entrepreneurs in the Cape Breton Region.” 

As a lifelong resident of Cape Breton, serving the region is both meaningful and motivating. “I’m looking forward to building true, meaningful relationships. I’ve got an incredible team of women at CWB, helping me find my footing and I know the community of women entrepreneurs in Cape Breton are incredible, capable, talented, and inspiring. They are excited to grow and flourish – whatever that means for them, no matter their journey/stage.” 

“To help women succeed, to find their calling, to grow and to thrive all of this means the world to me and is an honour to help “advise”. 

While cooking has always been a part of Temidayo’s life, she didn’t always plan to work in the food industry. “Over the years, I realized how much time and effort it takes to prepare traditional flavours from scratch. As a busy mum, I knew I couldn’t be the only one facing this challenge, so I began thinking about how to make the process easier for myself and for others without losing the authentic taste we love.”  

Cultural heritage has played a central role in both the brand and its mission. “Food is more than nourishment in my culture, it represents connection, family, and community. I wanted to preserve those authentic flavours while adapting to the realities of busy modern life.” Temidayo explains.  

As an immigrant entrepreneur, Temidayo’s experiences have shaped how she approaches business. “I’ve learned resilience, patience, and adaptability. Building a business in a new country has taught me the importance of structure, systems, and doing things the right way. Those experiences shaped my commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous learning. 

Temidayo is currently taking part in the Centre for Women in Business’s (CWB) SPICE program, helping women move from their kitchen tables to a fully compliant food business. “The program has been instrumental in the growth of Triple T Kitchen. Through their mentorship, guidance, and structured business support, I was able to move from idea to implementation with clarity and confidence. The program also provided financial support, which helped me take key steps in product development and bringing my ready-to-use sauces to markets. Beyond funding, accountability, encouragement, and access to resources has made a significant difference in helping me build my business the right way.” 

Temidayo notes that one of the most helpful tools she gained from SPICE were “strategic business planning and structured guidance”. “Learning how to set clear goals, understanding the systems behind food production, and planning for growth has been invaluable.”  

“It feels rewarding and humbling. Seeing my vision transformed into a professionally produced, ready-to-use product is a major milestone. Working with Maritime Foods Co-packing allowed me to bring the product to market with quality standards and consistency. It represents growth, collaboration, and progress within the food industry in Nova Scotia.”  

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is firmly on expansion. Plans include increasing distribution, growing brand visibility, introducing new flavours, and strengthening retail presence. “Long term, I envision Triple T Kitchen becoming a recognized brand for authentic, ready-to-use African-inspired sauces across Canada and beyond, while continuing to empower women and immigrant entrepreneurs along the way.” 

For other women considering a similar path, Temidayo’s advice would be to “seek mentorship, take advantage of available programs, learn the systems, and build structure around your idea. Growth takes time, so be patient with the process. Stay focused, remain consistent, believe that your idea is valid and worthy of success. And most importantly, don’t try to do it alone.” 

Looking back on her journey so far, Temidayo emphasizes the importance of community support. “This journey has reminded me that with faith, guidance, and perseverance, ideas can turn into reality. Triple T Kitchen is just getting started!” 

Follow Triple T Kitchen here! 

Kyla explains that “Intimately U is a trauma-informed wellness brand focused on creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, regulate stress, and rebuild a sense of balance in their lives. Through guided candle-making workshops, intentional wellness products, and educational resources, the work centers on helping individuals, teams, and communities slow down and engage in meaningful self-care practices.” 

The inspiration came from Kyla’s own lived experiences, “Intimately U came from the recognition that many people are navigating high levels of stress, burnout, and unresolved trauma without accessible tools to support their well-being. I began to see how simple, intentional practices, like the act of creating something with your hands or taking time to pause, could open the door to reflection, healing, and resilience.” 

At the heart of the business is a commitment to community impact. The business takes a “Buy One, Heal One” approach, where a portion of their work helps support community wellness initiatives and healing-centered experiences. “Long term, the goal is to create employment pathways for survivors by building a business model that prioritizes opportunity, dignity, and sustainable support.” Kyla explains.  

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kyla’s advice is both practical and personal, “start before you feel fully ready, but remain grounded in purpose. Many entrepreneurs believe they need a perfect plan before they begin, but clarity often develops through action. It is important to remember that it is okay to keep refining your idea until it aligns with what you want it to be. At the same time, do not wait for perfection, because perfection often leads to procrastination, and procrastination leads nowhere.”  

“I remember my daughter once asking me, “Mom, how many times are you going to start over with this?” And I told her, “As many times as I need to until I get it right.” That moment stayed with me, because entrepreneurship is rarely about getting everything right the first time, it is about learning, adjusting, and continuing to move forward.” 

On March 6th, Kyla took the stage at CWB’s International Women’s Day celebration, where she shared her experience as an entrepreneur focusing on the topic of, Building Intentionally – The Gift of Purpose. For Kyla, this opportunity marked both a professional milestone and a personal leap. 

“International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to recognize the leadership, resilience, and innovation that women bring to communities and industries. Saying yes to that opportunity meant more than simply sharing my business journey; it was about speaking honestly about what it looks like to build something meaningful.” 

“Stepping onto that stage meant coming out of my comfort zone and doing something I had never done before. As entrepreneurs, we often encourage others to take bold steps, and this was one of those moments where I had to live that message myself.” 

Building Intentionally – The Gift of Purpose reflects the belief that businesses should be created with care, values, and community in mind. “I wanted to encourage other women to recognize that purpose is not something reserved for a select few; it is something each of us can cultivate through the choices we make in how we lead, build, and contribute to the world around us.”  

“CWB has helped create meaningful spaces where entrepreneurs can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Opportunities like the International Women’s Day event provide important platforms for founders to share their journeys while building relationships within the broader business community. Having access to organizations like CWB that actively support entrepreneurs helps strengthen the business ecosystem and reminds business owners that they are not navigating their journeys alone.”  

Looking back on her early days as an entrepreneur, Kyla would tell her past self that “progress takes time and that growth often comes through moments that initially feel uncertain. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, it can feel like every decision needs to be perfect. Over time, you realize that building a business is a process of learning, refining, and evolving. Some of the most valuable lessons come from challenges that ultimately shape the direction of your work.” 

“Much like healing, entrepreneurship is a journey. There will be highs, lows, and everything in between. Those moments are all part of the process. The important thing is to keep going, stay connected to your purpose, and trust that each step forward is contributing to something meaningful.” 

Looking ahead, Kyla has set clear and intentional goals for 2026. “My focus is on expanding the reach of Intimately U’s trauma-informed wellness programs while strengthening partnerships with organizations that recognize the importance of supporting the well-being of their teams and communities.” 

“One of my key goals is to establish at least five strong organizational partnerships that integrate our workshops into corporate, nonprofit, and community environments,” Kyla says. “I plan to expand our Buy One, Heal One initiative, allowing more community members to access healing-centered experiences through sponsored workshops and wellness resources.” 

As well, Kyla is working towards “making our first hire, specifically creating an employment opportunity for a survivor. Providing supportive pathways into meaningful work has always been part of the long-term vision for Intimately U, and 2026 is the year I want to begin turning that vision into reality.” 

“Through Intimately U, I remain committed to building a business that extends beyond products and workshops. The vision is to continue creating intentional spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience wellness in ways that are practical and accessible in everyday life.” 

Because, as Kyla puts it, when businesses are built with intention, they can become something greater. “They become platforms not just for economic growth, but for meaningful healing in our communities.” 

Learn more about Intimately U here.