Take On | Podcast on RSS.com

Take On

by Jasmine Jex

Entrepreneurship Careers

18: Building a “Tuff” Marketing Agency with Parker Kump

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’ basement How niching down created clarity and scale His simple framework for better team management The mental side of entrepreneurship no one warns you about Why founders should master the “hard part” before turning on paid ads

17: Why Founders Shouldn't Wait for Permission with Andrew Warburton

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 startup The reality of creating shelf-stable, all-natural beverages How community and accelerators shaped his growth as a founder The balance between brand values and scaling sustainably His biggest mindset shift: stop waiting for permission If 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.

16: First Year in Business: No One’s Ready When They Start

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.

15: Fundraising, Fractional Investing & Female Leadership with Laura Fortey

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.

14: Q&A: Startup Scrappiness, Co-Founder Boundaries, and Figuring It Out in Public

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.

13: The Business of Better Care with Julie Mai

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.

12: Running on Empty

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.

11. Empowering the Next Generation with Taylor Hui

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.

10: Three Marketing Shifts Defining 2025

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.

09: From Market Gap to Global Franchise with Kyla Dufresne

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.

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