Mentorship Changes Everything: Celebrating Our Partnership with the Scotiabank Women Initiative
At this year’s Business Sisters Conference, we witnessed countless moments of courage and connection. One that stayed with many of us was when Chantal Lavergne, founder of Oh Color Me based in Casselman, shared the impact of her mentorship with The Forum, sponsored by the Scotiabank Women Initiative (SWI). Her story was honest, joyful, and deeply affirming—exactly why mentorship can be transformative for women entrepreneurs, especially in rural communities.
A Simple Idea, A Bigger Path
Chantal’s business began in August 2024 with a personal challenge: “I could never finish the big detailed colouring books—my ADHD wouldn’t let me. I wanted something simple, calming, and beautiful. Something like my daughter’s colouring book, but for adults.” The spark became a product, then a brand, and quickly found its audience. By November 2024, when mentorship applications opened through Business Sisters—funded by SWI—she applied and was selected.
What followed was a year of learning and breakthrough moments. Chantal was matched with Heidi, an entrepreneur from Manitoba with 25 years of experience and 50 employees. “I felt so privileged,” Chantal said. “People give their time for you. For free. I couldn’t believe it.” She showed up to every session; her mentor even told her she was in the top 2% for completion.
Together they set a bold financial target: Could Oh Color Me reach six figures by year-end 2025? With support, focus, and grit, the business surpassed six figures a month early. “It changed me as a person. I have connections now. Friends. My world opened up.”
This year, when Chantal reapplied, she aimed even higher and was matched with Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels. The connection was immediate. Julie understood her product model, family story, and the realities of scaling. Their first meeting alone generated new ideas. Once again, mentorship acted as a catalyst for both business and personal growth.
Why This Partnership Matters
When we read Chantal's story, our partnership with the Scotiabank Women Initiative has meant more than sponsorship. It’s been:
- An investment in women entrepreneurs
- A recognition of rural potential
- A commitment to accessible, high-quality mentorship
Through SWI’s partnership with The Forum, women across Eastern Ontario have gained guidance that’s hard to find outside major centres. A special thank-you to Chris McMartin, National Lead for SWI, whose leadership and belief in mentorship have shaped this work—not as a logo on a banner, but as a true champion of women in business.
More Mentorship Opportunities
At the conference, we drew 10 mentorships as door prizes—and we have 10 more available. Don’t wait: read more about the program and apply. As Chantal reminded us: “This is free knowledge. Free experience. People are giving their time for you. It’s incredible.”
Mentorship Is for All of Us
As I told the room: “If Business Sisters recommends a program, I want to make sure it measures up.”
That's why a favourite moments during the session was acknowledging that I also claimed a mentorship spot last year (2025). My mentor, Eden Spodek, has been a steady presence—helping me reflect, reset, and navigate a period of growth and transition. And she was sitting right there in the room with us!
It’s an important reminder: mentorship isn’t just for beginners. It’s not a sign of inexperience; it’s a sign of momentum. No entrepreneur—no matter how capable—builds alone.
A Heartfelt Thank You
- To the Scotiabank Women Initiative for opening doors;
- To Chris McMartin for your partnership and leadership;
- To The Forum for cultivating a national network of generous mentors;
- And to mentors like Eden and mentees like Chantal, who show what’s possible when women lift each other up.
This is what meaningful partnership looks like.
This is how confidence grows.
This is how businesses rooted in creativity, purpose, and community take flight.
Most importantly: this is how we build a stronger, more supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs—together.
At this year’s Business Sisters Conference, we witnessed countless moments of courage and connection. One that stayed with many of us was when Chantal Lavergne, founder of Oh Color Me based in Casselman, shared the impact of her mentorship with The Forum, sponsored by the Scotiabank Women Initiative (SWI). Her story was honest, joyful, and deeply affirming—exactly why mentorship can be transformative for women entrepreneurs, especially in rural communities.
A Simple Idea, A Bigger Path
Chantal’s business began in August 2024 with a personal challenge: “I could never finish the big detailed colouring books—my ADHD wouldn’t let me. I wanted something simple, calming, and beautiful. Something like my daughter’s colouring book, but for adults.” The spark became a product, then a brand, and quickly found its audience. By November 2024, when mentorship applications opened through Business Sisters—funded by SWI—she applied and was selected.
What followed was a year of learning and breakthrough moments. Chantal was matched with Heidi, an entrepreneur from Manitoba with 25 years of experience and 50 employees. “I felt so privileged,” Chantal said. “People give their time for you. For free. I couldn’t believe it.” She showed up to every session; her mentor even told her she was in the top 2% for completion.
Together they set a bold financial target: Could Oh Color Me reach six figures by year-end 2025? With support, focus, and grit, the business surpassed six figures a month early. “It changed me as a person. I have connections now. Friends. My world opened up.”
This year, when Chantal reapplied, she aimed even higher and was matched with Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels. The connection was immediate. Julie understood her product model, family story, and the realities of scaling. Their first meeting alone generated new ideas. Once again, mentorship acted as a catalyst for both business and personal growth.
Why This Partnership Matters
When we read Chantal's story, our partnership with the Scotiabank Women Initiative has meant more than sponsorship. It’s been:
- An investment in women entrepreneurs
- A recognition of rural potential
- A commitment to accessible, high-quality mentorship
Through SWI’s partnership with The Forum, women across Eastern Ontario have gained guidance that’s hard to find outside major centres. A special thank-you to Chris McMartin, National Lead for SWI, whose leadership and belief in mentorship have shaped this work—not as a logo on a banner, but as a true champion of women in business.
More Mentorship Opportunities
At the conference, we drew 10 mentorships as door prizes—and we have 10 more available. Don’t wait: read more about the program and apply. As Chantal reminded us: “This is free knowledge. Free experience. People are giving their time for you. It’s incredible.”
Mentorship Is for All of Us
As I told the room: “If Business Sisters recommends a program, I want to make sure it measures up.”
That's why a favourite moments during the session was acknowledging that I also claimed a mentorship spot last year (2025). My mentor, Eden Spodek, has been a steady presence—helping me reflect, reset, and navigate a period of growth and transition. And she was sitting right there in the room with us!
It’s an important reminder: mentorship isn’t just for beginners. It’s not a sign of inexperience; it’s a sign of momentum. No entrepreneur—no matter how capable—builds alone.
A Heartfelt Thank You
- To the Scotiabank Women Initiative for opening doors;
- To Chris McMartin for your partnership and leadership;
- To The Forum for cultivating a national network of generous mentors;
- And to mentors like Eden and mentees like Chantal, who show what’s possible when women lift each other up.
This is what meaningful partnership looks like.
This is how confidence grows.
This is how businesses rooted in creativity, purpose, and community take flight.
Most importantly: this is how we build a stronger, more supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs—together.
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