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Published March 7, 2025

Celebrating trailblazing women at the 2025 Women in Business Awards

From left to right: Sharon Smith, Laura Fess, Stephanie Gourlie Murray, Candice Thomas with her daughter, Rebecca Bartley, Laura Payne, Daria Montague, Maguire Boucher

Barrie's annual Women in Business Awards recently honored a diverse group of exceptional women whose contributions are shaping the community through innovation, leadership, and fearless entrepreneurship. This year's ceremony, more than just an awards event, served as a celebration of trailblazers who continue to push boundaries and inspire leaders across the region.

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Maguire Boucher - The Hound Lounge

2025 Young Entrepreneur Award

Maguire Boucher, Managing Director of The Hound Lounge, exemplifies dedication to exceptional canine care. With a lifelong passion for animals, Maguire leveraged her honors degree from Georgian College's advertising and marketing communication program to innovate within the dog daycare industry. Leading an all-women team, she continually identifies and addresses industry challenges, ensuring The Hound Lounge remains a beacon of success.

Laura Fess - VOX Mental Health

2025 Healthcare Hero Award

Laura Fess, an attachment and trauma-informed therapist, brings over a decade of experience to her holistic practice at VOX Mental Health. Emphasizing evidence-based interventions, Laura creates a judgment-free space where clients explore and transform their life experiences. Her commitment to fostering healing environments underscores her recognition as this year's Healthcare Hero.

Daria Montague - Healing Arts Micropigmentation & Wellness Centre

2025 Creative Visionary Award

Arriving in Canada from Russia determined to build a future, Daria Montague fused her artistic roots with a decade-long career in financial services. Transitioning to tattoo artistry, she founded two studios before establishing the Healing Arts Micropigmentation & Wellness Centre. Daria's innovative blend of art and healing marks her as a Creative Visionary, inspiring through her entrepreneurial journey.

Stephanie Gourlie Murray - Intent Stone Design

2025 Woman In Trade Award

Stephanie Gourlie Murray, an entrepreneur and advocate for community collaboration, leads Intent Stone Design with a focus on innovative marketing and strategic planning. Encouraging others to surpass conventional norms, Stephanie embodies her belief in effecting positive change. Her leadership and dedication to excellence earned her this year's Woman In Trade Award.

Rebecca Bartley - Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing

2025 Visionary Award

Rebecca Bartley, a registered veterinary technician (RVT) and founder of Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing, champions compassionate and fear-free pet care. With a career spanning over a decade, Rebecca redefines veterinary nursing through mobile services that empower pet families and mentor future RVTs. Her vision for advancing pet care and professional standards makes her a deserving Visionary Award recipient.

Laura Payne - White Toque

2025 Intrapreneur Award

Laura Payne's twenty-year career in IT and security culminated in her leadership as CEO and head security consultant at White Toque. Passionate about cybersecurity and mentorship, Laura engages actively in industry initiatives, including mentoring aspiring professionals and volunteering with cybersecurity education programs. Her commitment to solving complex security challenges sets her apart as an Intrapreneur.

Sharron Smith - Connect Hair Studio Inc

2025 Community Impact Award

Sharron Smith's journey from childhood visits to care facilities inspired her life's mission centered on joy, gratitude, and success. As the founder of Connect Hair Studio Inc, Sharron channels her passion into community impact, uplifting lives through her studio and charitable efforts. Her dedication to making a difference earned her this year's Community Impact Award.

Candice Thomas - Evergreen Massage Therapy & Wellness Studio

2025 Entrepreneur Award

Candice Thomas, CEO of Evergreen Massage Therapy & Wellness Studio, spearheads transformative healthcare initiatives focused on maternal mental health. Through innovative collaborative care at Evergreen, Candice bridges physical and psychological wellness, advocating for systematic change in women's healthcare. Her advocacy and leadership empower future change-makers, making her an exemplary Entrepreneur Award recipient.

Each of these remarkable women exemplifies the spirit of innovation, leadership, and community impact, inspiring others to push boundaries and create positive change. The Women in Business Awards celebrate their achievements, recognizing their invaluable contributions to Barrie's vibrant community and beyond.

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