Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Each product of Mangata Apothecary was originally crafted by midwife-turned-herbalist Stefanie (CEO/Founder) and is safe for families. We boast CertClean and Leaping Bunny Certifications because our customers are women, mothers, and female-identifying individuals seeking clean and kind products. Stefanie started out her business with a focus on midwifery clients as her background is midwifery and her passion is helping families discover how they can take care of their own bodies and utilize herbs from their own background. Her passion is to empower women both locally and abroad through community groups (locally) and donations (locally) as well as giving a portion of all proceeds to Cedar's network which is run by a midwife friend of Stefanie's. Cedar's helps female Syrian refugees overseas by providing healthcare, specifically maternity healthcare. Stefanie's education (as noted earlier) is midwifery as well as a BA in Intercultural Studies. Her original plan was to work overseas as a midwife and she did spend 2 years doing so. However; as life often does, plans change. After getting pregnant with her first child, her husband encouraged her to do what she always wanted, be a stay at home mom. Though this excited her, she had to give up her dreams of midwifery and struggled to stay positive. It then slowly became apparent that the products she had created for customers were sellable! She then started Mangata Apothecary- selling her line of products while living her dream of being a stay at home mom!

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Mangata Apothecary donates, volunteers, and gives to many non-profits in the spirit of generosity- there is enough for all. The herbal wisdom infused in the products is freely given out through the form of Stefanie's book "Eating Weeds", available for download here: https://mailchi.mp/mangataapothecary/newsletter .

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

We have a worked hard growing Mangata over the past two years, all organically. This has led to a lot of hours of personal communication with customers, students, ambassadors, contractors, PR agencies, and followers- all resulting in a personal connection with them and a clear understanding of what people are looking for in health and wellness. We are confident in the effectiveness of our product line as well as the business model. Generosity if our goal and though we are a business, we are passionate about sharing the wealth- be it wisdom, finances, products, or wellness.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Mangata is small but always strives to create a welcome environment for contractors, students, volunteers, and customers. We have worked regularly with over 50 students (paid or college project) to develop strategies for SEO, marketing, and PR. We make ourselves readily available for their learning and communicate with respect. Stefanie also works with her community, donating multiple times each year and regularly to some of her favorite non-profits (the Forum, YWCA, Nick's Nook, as well as others). In her local neighborhood, Stefanie hosts get-togethers, gives product to women looking for health solutions, supports community giving and has grown a group of over 50 neighborhood moms who support and help each other. This group was initially started during Covid as many women were lonely and looking for community. It is now where many have found true and loyal friendship- often right next door!

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Mangata is a start up that has created a community of support in its own neighborhood of Delta BC. Though Mangata is a business, the founder's passion is to be supportive, kind, community oriented and generous. This is seen through the donation of product to galas and auctions, creating community to Facebook groups, neighborhood groups, and being present in the community at events and meetings. In addition; a portion of each purchase goes towards Cedar's Network- supporting refugees.