Women’s show unites entrepreneurs for mutual support in Fredericton

The annual Fredericton Women’s Show returned to the Fredericton Delta Hotel this weekend for two-days of women empowering women.

Organizer Alicia Nicholson says the show is more than just an event; the weekend is designed to help entrepreneurs get to know and support each other through their businesses.

“There’s not a lot of specific women owned events,” Nicholson says. “So, it was really important to me that we had something in Fredericton where people really felt like they could all come together as one and just women supporting women.”

This year’s event featured over 80 vendors. Their offerings ranged from baked goods and hand-crafted trinkets to services like osteopathy and tattoos.

The weekend also featured keynote guest speakers and discussion panels to give budding female entrepreneurs some tips.

Social media influencer Alicia McCarvell headlined the keynote speakers series. She says the support between women at the event was uplifting and she’ll remember the weekend for some time.

“I’ve learned very quickly that I’m not alone,” McCarvell says while discussing some of the challenges she experiences trying to feel good in her body everyday. She says one woman came out, wearing a crop top with confidence just because of the conversations on Saturday.

“That will never, ever feel real,” she says.

Events like the show, aimed at women, are far and few between, McCarvell says, which is why she felt it was important to make the drive from Nova Scotia to attend.

“The world feels really heavy right now,” she says. “So, to come into a space like this, to get to walk around and see the joy and the support, friends showing up with friends, it’s a pretty incredible place to be.”

Journey Fitness Studio owner Jamie Murdock has been setting a booth up at the women’s show for nine years and counting.

“This event is more than just your average show,” she says. “It’s about women who are entrepreneurs, who are chasing their dreams, and they’re just truly showing up for themselves in all shapes and form. The neat thing about this event this year was there was so much variety, there was literally something for everybody here.”

“The energy is different,” says vendor Sarah Bernard when asked how the show compares to similar events.

“There are women smiling, everybody’s getting their cup filled, and it’s all about support, collaboration, connection. Every company that is being represented here, it’s all about making your life better, easier and just finding joy.”