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

With a background in Marine Biology, I’ve always been deeply connected to the ocean and its incredible ecosystems. My journey with Oceanspire began from a personal struggle to find an all-natural sunscreen that met all my criteria: high coverage, chemical-free, ocean-friendly, moisturizing, nourishing, and ethically sourced without contributing to plastic waste. I realized that if I had such difficulty finding these products, others must be facing the same challenge. My love for marine life and concern for the ocean’s health motivated me to take matters into my own hands. In 2020, I launched Oceanspire, a brand dedicated to creating eco-friendly, plastic-free beauty and personal care products. I wanted to offer consumers products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Seeing the positive response from people who shared my vision was incredibly rewarding. Our success proved that there is a strong demand for sustainable options, and it encouraged other companies to rethink their practices. Oceanspire became more than just a brand—it became a movement, a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. Today, we continue to expand our range of eco-friendly offerings, setting new standards in the health and beauty industry. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, I am committed to driving Oceanspire forward, ensuring that ethical and ocean-friendly choices become the norm. My dedication to safeguarding both skin and the environment remains the heart of Oceanspire, and I am passionate about making a positive impact on our planet.

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.

At Oceanspire, community support and environmental stewardship are at the heart of everything we do. Our dedication to ocean conservation is demonstrated through our active participation in and organization of beach cleanups in Vancouver, BC. These events not only help remove significant amounts of plastic waste from our shores but also engage the local community in meaningful environmental action. To date, we've organized over 50 beach cleanups, involving more than 1,000 volunteers, and collectively removing approximately 10,000 pounds of waste from our beaches. In addition to these hands-on efforts, Oceanspire donates 10% of all proceeds to ocean conservation initiatives. This commitment has allowed us to contribute substantial financial support to organizations focused on large scale plastic and pollution marine removal to help protect aquatic ecosystem habitat restoration, and pollution reduction. Our community’s support is palpable and multifaceted. Customers appreciate our transparent practices and often share their positive experiences and feedback on social media, amplifying our message and inspiring others to join the movement. Local businesses and environmental groups frequently collaborate with us, enhancing our collective impact. Our volunteers, many of whom return regularly, embody the community’s dedication to our mission, fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility. The community’s response to our efforts is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for our products and initiatives. Their support is not just verbal; it’s visible in the growing number of participants in our cleanups, the increasing sales of our eco-friendly products, and the expanding network of partners and advocates who help drive our mission forward. This reciprocal relationship fuels our ongoing efforts and underscores the power of collective action in achieving a healthier planet.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Winning the Business Impact award would be a significant milestone that validates our ongoing efforts to revolutionize the health and beauty industry through sustainable practices. This recognition would not only celebrate our commitment to environmental stewardship but also amplify our message on a broader scale. With increased visibility and credibility from winning this award, we can attract more consumers who prioritize eco-friendly products, expanding our reach and influence. Moreover, the award would open doors to new partnerships and collaborations with like-minded businesses and organizations, further enhancing our impact. By leveraging the award, we can accelerate our mission to promote a sustainable lifestyle and drive positive change within the industry. It would empower us to invest in innovative research and development, allowing us to introduce more advanced eco-friendly products and set new benchmarks for sustainability. Ultimately, winning the award would propel Oceanspire forward as a leader in the movement towards ethical and environmentally responsible consumer choices, inspiring others to join us in creating a healthier planet for future generations.

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.

At Oceanspire, despite our current growth phase without a formal staff, our impact extends positively to all we engage with. Our culture emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. We prioritize eco-friendly practices in our operations, from plastic-free packaging to comprehensive waste reduction strategies like recycling and composting. This commitment not only aligns with our mission but also sets a precedent for ethical workplace practices. Our leadership shines through proactive client education on eco-friendly choices and selecting vendors who share our sustainability ethos. We treat contractors as integral team members, ensuring alignment with our environmental goals through collaborative planning and consistent communication. Community engagement is central to our approach, exemplified by regular beach cleanups and educational initiatives on ocean conservation. These efforts collectively define our culture, demonstrating that responsible business practices can inspire positive change and create a supportive community around Oceanspire.

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

we believe we should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because our journey is deeply rooted in community support and engagement. Since our inception, we have strived to not only provide eco-friendly health and beauty products but also to actively involve our customers and supporters in our mission to protect the oceans. Our commitment is evident through initiatives like regular beach cleanups, where we work side by side with volunteers to remove plastic waste and raise awareness about ocean conservation. Winning this award would validate the trust and loyalty of our community, showcasing their belief in our vision for a sustainable future. It would amplify our impact by broadening our reach and inspiring more individuals to make environmentally conscious choices. Additionally, the award would empower us to expand our educational programs and community outreach efforts, further mobilizing people towards positive environmental action. Ultimately, winning the Premier’s People’s Choice Award would not only honour our dedication to sustainability but also celebrate the collective efforts of our community in supporting a cause that transcends business.