Fanshawe College’s Leap Junction recently held its annual Founders Fair, during which students and graduates proudly displayed their businesses. The event, which had a colorful funfair vibe and included activities, a marketplace and the popular third annual Hot Wing contest, celebrated the innovative thinking and innovation of young business owners. Leap Junction, which is known for providing resources and connections, continues to help developing firms and even delivers advice after graduation.
One of the standout businesses was Kimberly’s Sustainable Roots Retail, which reuses thrift shop pieces into sustainable fashion items like skirts and gowns. Kimberly’s commitment to sustainability is just one aspect of her inspirational story. In addition to her business, she has been gathering cash for a specialized medical device to aid with her unique skin disease that stops her skin from shedding naturally.
The device creates nano-sized bubbles to help reduce her problems, considerably increasing her comfort.
Speaking about her mission, Kimberly explained, “It’s literally a fundraiser to help clear up my skin, and not the device. It’s worth a lot of money, and that’s what we’re doing. I made all this stuff to help support a medical equipment for me, so it will clear up my skin like normal.”
Kimberly’s friend has been organizing art cafe (elevated painting sessions) to help raise the $12,000 required for the device. So far, more than $9,000 has been raised, showcasing the power of community, kindness, and business.
Other participants included Scribbles and Hearts, a company that promotes creativity through art kits and original artwork, and Atyll, a mobile software that helps landlords manage properties remotely and provides services for renters who require inspections from faraway locations.
The Founders Fair was more than just a business celebration; it also reflected the Leap Junction community’s support, creative thinking, and understanding. From sustainable fashion to technology and heartfelt fundraising, the fair showcased Fanshawe College’s spirit of entrepreneurship.
