‘We’re flourishing’: Meet the women that power this small Saskatchewan town

Laura Woodward has more on the entrepreneurial spirit of several women pioneering the business scene in Wakaw, Sask.

When Rhonda Cochet opened her salon 24 years ago in Wakaw, Sask., the town’s main street wasn’t as full as it is today.

“There wasn’t a lot,” said Cochet, the owner of The Oasis Elite Beauty.

“We have been growing. These girls are coming in, taking hold and running with it. We’re flourishing.”

Female entrepreneurs are shaping Wakaw’s business scene — bolstering the lake town, as it prepares for the summer rush.

When Kimberly Cooper moved to Wakaw, she quickly noticed the vibrance of the local businesses. She estimates 80 per cent are female-run.

“It’s definitely majority,” said Cooper, the owner of 4 Wheel Fitness.

“That’s pretty special ... It’s all these really awesome females that start their own businesses. I just noticed that and admired them, and recognized that this little community of Wakaw has a really great thing going on.”

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One of the newest businesses is Espresso Cafe. Brittanee Haussecker opened the shop in July 2024, bringing her love of coffee to Wakaw’s First Street South.

“I’ve been blown away by the community. We’ve been super busy,” Haussecker told CTV News after the lunch rush.

Meanwhile, Jessica Kohle saw a gap in the community and stepped in to fill it.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while working as a nurse, Kohle noticed a need for a senior care home.

“We realized our community was lacking a home for level one and level two care, so my husband and I decided to build a personal care home,” Kohle said.

Cornerstone Care Home was full within three months and now has a waitlist.

Four years ago, Taylor Hubert also took a leap of faith, buying the town’s gift shop.

The store has since evolved to sell everything from games to jewelry — and candles she makes herself.

“You have to choose community over competition. Rising tides float all boats,” Hubert said.

“It’s just a really beautiful snowball effect. We all lift each other, we all know our roles and we’re like, ‘Let’s do things for the town, and the community,’ and in ways that make a difference.”