Discover Rural Directory

Our Origin Story

We love sharing this story, of how this all got started, because it takes us right back to the heart of why we do what we do. If you’re new around here, we’re Jan and Erin - a mother and daughter team who 4 years ago… had a big idea. It all started with chicken eggs actually. We are lucky enough to live rurally on the prairies of Western Canada, and with an abundance of farm fresh eggs, Erin wanted to post in a local FB group looking to sell some eggs, after being denied as we don’t live within city limits, feeling pretty frustrated but then insanely curious, we asked ourselves - “How many other rural women have businesses, services, goods and incredible products that no-one knows about?…. and it was that question that catapulted us into where we are today! We immediately launched a directory, back in 2020 and started sharing on this IG account all the amazing rural women and their businesses, it took off fast, as there was no-one out there representing this niche community like we were - celebrating, acknowledging and connecting us all to each other. The Directory at the time became a stepping stone into launching what was always a secret dream on our heart - to launch a premium, keepsake coffee table magazine. With sheer guts and a ton of hard work we launched our first issue of Trailblazher Magazine Trailblazher Co. - sharing the lives, businesses, know-how and wisdom of rural women across North America. It absolutely took off, so much so that the Directory had to take a back seat.

Four years later, here we are. Poised to launched a new evolution of community through our new Discover Rural Directory - a self-serve platform designed to facilitate the incredible connections and collaborations that collide when resilient, gutsy rural women find and support each other. Much more details to come but here is what we need you to do:

We have a special offer for Early Birds who join us before our public launch on October 14th. The last day to sign up for the early bird is end of day, Monday, Sept. 30. After that - it’s too late, and you’ll have to wait.

👇🏻Comment earlybird below to get on the list!👇🏻

PLEASE TAG YOUR RURAL FRIENDS SO THEY DON’T MISS OUT!

Today we are introducing the inventor and designer of innovative kitchen savers, Jennifer Pedersen. Jennifer is a mom to a 23 year old daughter, two dogs and two kittens. Jennifer lives on an acreage in the Foothills of Alberta where she runs her small business SugarBaby Brown Sugar Saver . She tells us that she feels most at home with a cup of tea and a good book, and uses her creative outlets of writing, poetry and photography to stay in tune with her creative nature.

Jennifer says that she knew there had to be a better way to store items that can be a struggle to store-like brown sugar! The hassle of buying a bag of brown sugar and going back to use it in a few weeks, just to have it as hard as a rock. The sugar baby saver designed by Jennifer, keeps items that need just a touch of moisture, fresher for longer! Jennifer saw a need for this product and took it upon herself to create it.

Jennifer explains that she has always loved the peace and quiet of living on an acreage. It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature every day. She goes on to tell us how amazing it feels to be a part of a community of local markets. It just feels like home to her.

Jennifer would like to ask all you guys, “What is your favourite thing about the community where you live rurally?”

Ok Ladies, today we are introducing another amazingly talented woman, who is the heart and soul of her business, Zoe Kendall Photography. Zoe describes herself as an avid coffee lover, and lover for all things Boho and Western. Head over to her page and explore, and if you're in the area, get yourself a new photographer! 📸

Zoe is from Beiseker, Alberta, she grew up on an acreage with her family who are horse trainers. Being raised around the western lifestyle, helped shape the vision she wanted for her photography business. She uses her photography as an outlet to showcase all things rural. Zoe tells us that she has been passionate about photography since her teen years and began to pursue it more seriously in the past year which has kept her more than busy. It mainly started when Zoe found herself wanting to keep busy during the pandemic, and thought it was a perfect time to create this small business and take her passion to the next level. Zoe says she uses this as a great way to meet other rural women that are passionate about what they do. It is an opportunity to support one another and work together to make this a strong rural community of women. Honestly what a great way to connect, I know we talk about connection and how you connect with other rural women but it is so IMPORTANT! Finding support groups, and women to discuss business, and business advice plays such an important role in running a rural operation.