Natural cosmetics business wins 2022 Enterprize Challenge

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Butler won more than $20,000 in prizes, including $5,000 in start-up capital, free business banking for one year, a legal package, marketing and web packages in the event put on by Community Futures North Okanagan.

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“I’m really surprised and thrilled,” said Butler. “I think it’s going to take a bit for it to fully sink in, but I’m so happy. I’m going to use the capital on packaging for my product so I can have a more polished-looking product,” says Butler. “I’m really looking forward to all of the support that comes from this Challenge.”

With the help of mentor Teresa Sanders, owner of FILL-Vernon’s Refill Store and the 2019 Enterprize Challenge winner, Butler refined her business plan for her business.

“Conspiracy Cosmetics encourages its customers to live authentically as themselves through self expression and their personal lifestyle choices,” Butler remarked.

With an online store that connects customers with cosmetics no matter where they live and partnerships with local storefronts throughout the Okanagan, Butler is focused on growing her business and team with the support of the Enterprize Challenge and Community Futures.

Presented by VantageOne Credit Union, the 2022 Enterprize Challenge features 28 participants and saw seven competitors present their final pitches to volunteer judges from VantageOne Credit Union, Sproing Creative, Nixon Wenger LLP, Wayside, and BDO Canada LLP.

With a plan to create a natural fertilizer by, “Turning a waste into a want,” Waste Not Wool’s Leanna Maksymik took home the People’s Choice Award sponsored by Sproing Creative.

James Stuart and Louis Saitowitz cheer on Leanna Maksymik as Waste Not Wool claims the People’s Choice Award during the 2022 Enterprize Challenge finale April 27. (Celena S Photography)

In second place, Sean Ling-Allen of Centred Pilates leaves the Enterprize Challenge finale with nearly $10,000 in prizes.

Third place, with a package valued at $6,000, went to James Stuart and Uplift Aero Greens.

James Stuart of Uplift Aero Greens (left), Conspiracy Cosmetics’ Olive Butler and Sean Ling-Allen of Centred Pilates are the 2022 Enterprize Challenge champions. (Celena S Photography)

“A common theme tonight is a care and concern for the environment,” said Beach Radio’s Rebecca Barton, the emcee for the event. “The Enterprize Challenge is about creating opportunity for North Okanagan businesses to start off on the right foot. They’ve all worked so hard on these pitches and should be proud to be up here tonight.”

The seven finalists for the 2022 Enterprize Challenge. (Rebecca Barton/Vernon Matters photo)

The seven final pitch participants include:

Louis Saitowitz, Okanagan Foothills Poultry
Olive Butler, Conspiracy Cosmetics
Sean Ling-Allen, Centred Pilates Studio
Stephlynne Wilbrink, Wildflower General Store
Leanna Maksymik, Waste Not Wool
Adrianna Stange, Townships and Tales
James Stuart, Uplift Aero Greens

Wednesday’s finale marked the return of the Enterprize Challenge’s in-person pitching after a cancelled challenge in 2020 and a virtual event in 2021.

“The last two years have really been about flexibility and seeking new opportunities,” said Kazia Mullin, business services manager, Community Futures North Okanagan. “These seven finalists are great examples of entrepreneurs who have a dream, see possibility and understand that there are new opportunities in the market.”