Take On

Parker Kump has built Tuff Media, a performance marketing agency that helps some of Canada’s fastest-growing e-commerce brands scale through creative-led strategy. From cold DM’ing mentors as a student to managing million-dollar ad budgets, Parker shares how he turned curiosity and persistence into a thriving business.In this episode, Parker talks about:The early bets that helped him launch Tuff from his parents’ basementHow niching down created clarity and scaleHis simple framework for better team managementThe mental side of entrepreneurship no one warns you aboutWhy founders should master the “hard part” before turning on paid ads

At just 22, Andrew Warburton has already transformed a childhood passion for lemonade stands into Peak Beverage Company, a craft soda brand using real BC fruit and clean ingredients. Named to BC Business’ 30 Under 30 and a graduate of the League of Innovators Labs, Andrew joins Jasmine to share the wins, setbacks, and lessons from building Peak out of his garage to getting cans onto retail shelves.In this episode, Andrew talks about:Why speed isn’t everything when launching a startupThe reality of creating shelf-stable, all-natural beveragesHow community and accelerators shaped his growth as a founderThe balance between brand values and scaling sustainablyHis biggest mindset shift: stop waiting for permissionIf you’re an early-stage founder, or just curious about what it takes to carve a place in a competitive market, this one's for you.

The first year in business rarely looks like the highlight reel. Behind the polished websites and carefully crafted founder stories, most of us are figuring it out in real time and the learning curve is steep.If year one now, thinking about taking the leap, or just feeling nostalgic, this episode is for you.

Laura Fortey didn’t just break into real estate - she’s building a new model for access. We talk about her journey from journalist to founder, how an early hackathon helped shape the concept behind Reitium, and what it’s like building in a tightly regulated industry. Laura also shares her take on fundraising as a female founder, the role of storytelling in scaling, and how human design shapes her leadership style.

In this solo Q&A, I’m answering your questions about building a business before you feel “ready.”I’m sharing the scrappy (and slightly ridiculous) things we did to make Oko look legit in the early days, how Devyn and I keep a healthy dynamic as co-founders and longtime friends, and why waiting to “figure yourself out” before building a personal brand is a trap. From imposter syndrome to knowing when it’s time to pivot, this one’s full of honest lessons from my own messy, still-in-progress journey.

Julie Mai is a registered dietitian and the founder of July Health, a telehealth platform reimagining care for women’s hormonal health. In this episode, she shares what it’s really like to build a business in a legacy industry—and why she believes the future of healthcare needs to be more holistic, accessible, and mentally supportive.We talk about the early days of entrepreneurship, how to validate ideas before going all in, and the importance of unlearning the idea that stability only comes from a 9-to-5. Julie also breaks down how she’s thinking differently about PCOS care, community building, and sustainable growth.This one’s for anyone rethinking the systems we’ve inherited—and creating something better.

We don’t love the word “burnout.” It’s buzzy, overused, and often doesn’t reflect the complexity of what it actually feels like when your body starts saying no. In this solo episode, Jasmine shares the story of what was really happening behind the scenes when Oko was at its peak. On paper, the business was thriving. She was busy, productive, even energized. But underneath the momentum was a body and nervous system running on fumes. It wasn’t until the pace slowed down that everything caught up with her—joint pain, brain fog, hormone disruption, and exhaustion.She shares what helped—from simple, free habits to more resourced interventions—and how she’s redefined what wellness looks like for her now.

Taylor is the founder of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation, a Canadian charity empowering female and non-binary youth through confidence programs and mental wellness workshops. She also founded Roster Clothing Co, a brand supporting the foundation, sold in 50+ North American stores. In this episode of Take On, Taylor shares her journey of running a non-profit, the role of storytelling in business, and her experiences modeling and living abroad. She reflects on the importance of balance, the power of community support, and how views on beauty and self-esteem are evolving among today’s youth.

In this episode, we discuss three marketing trends shaping 2025: protopia marketing, the resurgence of long-form content, and immersive in-person experiences driving digital engagement.

Kyla Dufresne, is the founder and CEO of Foxy Box, a waxing franchise with 18 locations across Canada that’s redefining confidence and empowerment. What started as a bold idea to shake up the waxing industry has grown into an incredible brand celebrated for its inclusive and unapologetic approach. Kyla’s story is one of leadership, resilience, and embracing individuality.In this conversation, Kyla shares her journey of building a thriving waxing franchise centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and a strong sense of humor. She reflects on identifying a gap in the market, making the transition from bartending to full-time entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges and victories of scaling her brand. Kyla offers insight into the complexities of franchising, the importance of cultivating a strong company culture, and her dedication to environmental sustainability. She also explores her leadership philosophy, the role of community in entrepreneurship, and her vision for expanding Foxy Box on an international scale.

With Lunar New Year here, I wanted to dive into the traditions of the holiday and how they connect to creating success with intention. Because yes, some people are born into luckier circumstances, but I truly believe luck isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something you can cultivate through mindset, preparation, and action.In this episode, I’m sharing eight habits inspired by Lunar New Year traditions that help open doors, attract the right opportunities, and set you up for long-term success.

In this episode of Take On, I sit down with Armineh Damanpak and Thom Robins, the co-owners of Beau and Thom Salons in Vancouver. Beau, located in Yaletown, is a sanctuary of inclusivity and bespoke hairstyling, redefining approachable luxury for all genders and identities. Thom blends classic barbering with modern techniques, creating a space rooted in "Modern Masculinity" and community. Together, they’ve set a new standard in Canadian hairstyling, and I’m excited to chat about their journey and creative vision. We chat about the process of designing a physical space, fostering strong company culture and the dynamics of building and maintaining a strong business partnership.

In this episode of Take On, I catch up with my long-time friend, Caroline Boquist. Caroline is the co-founder of Walrus Design, a contemporary lifestyle boutique known for its thoughtfully curated products for individuals, loved ones, and homes. She’s also the host of PechaKucha, a unique community storytelling event where speakers share their stories through 20 slides, each shown for just 20 seconds.Our conversation explores the distinction between being busy and leading a full, fulfilling life. We delve into the importance of being present with the people who matter most, the art of public speaking, and the dynamics of building and maintaining a strong business partnership.

This week I sat down with Matija Gabrilo, an interdisciplinary creative consultant, art director, designer, and researcher. Matija's meticulous and eclectic approach has led him to work with an impressive roster of clients including 21 Savage, Drake, Nike, and Meta. In this episode, we'll discuss Matija's journey in design, his dedication to hormonal health, and his latest venture, Talgh—a non-toxic, luxury deodorant made with 100% grass-fed and finished beef tallow.

In this solo episode, Jasmine Jex, host of Take On, shares 25 transformative lessons she’s learned over her 25 years of life. From navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to finding balance in the chaos of life, Jasmine opens up about her biggest takeaways. Whether you’re building a business, defining your career path, or just seeking a fresh outlook, she hopes these insights will resonate and inspire.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Courtney Lee, co-founder of Workshop Recruiting and a seasoned recruitment expert who has placed hundreds of candidates across various industries throughout North America. With her extensive knowledge of the job market and a passion for helping both job seekers and employers thrive, Courtney offers invaluable insights.In this episode, we cover everything from job search strategies—like how to make your resume stand out, effective networking tips, and the importance of LinkedIn in today’s job market—to hiring advice for small businesses, including how to make your first hire and assess cultural fit.

In this episode of Take On, I sit down with Noah Asanias, a talented photographer trusted by brands like SSENSE, Netflix, and Aritzia to create imagery that resonates and drives brand loyalty. Noah’s signature style combines natural and controlled lighting with rich, saturated tones to produce striking, dynamic images. His attention to detail and ability to capture authentic moments have earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable photographers in the industry.We explore the key differences between photography as an art form and as a business, the influence of AI on photography and retouching, and the importance of honing strong negotiation skills in the industry.

In this debut episode, I sit down with Tyron Harkiss-Foster, a passionate storyteller and founder of Between Friends. With over 8 years of experience in marketing, social media, PR, and brand development, Tyron’s expertise spans in-house roles, agency work, and entrepreneurship. His deep connections in fashion, culture, and design fuel his ability to build compelling brand narratives.We dive into what he’s learned while growing his own agency, creating standout brands in today’s landscape, and balancing his roles in journalism, modeling, and entrepreneurship.