Welcome to "From Concept to Creation," celebrating the remarkable journeys of entrepreneurs who have transformed their visions into thriving businesses on North Vancouver Island.
This page is dedicated to highlighting the stories of North Islanders whose hard work, talent, and grit have fueled their path to success. Discover how these innovators have harnessed their passion and creativity, navigated challenges, and made a lasting impact on their communities.
Their inspiring stories are a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship and the vibrant, diverse business landscapes across our region.
Join us as we spotlight these visionaries and celebrate their valuable contributions to the region’s economic vitality.
If you are a North Island Entrepreneur that would like to be featured on these pages or if you would like to recommend an inspiring North Island entrepreneur whose story needs to be celebrated, please reach out to [email protected].
If you are considering venturing into the world of self-employment and would like to find out about programs/services that can support your entrepreneurial journey, reach out to us at 250-286-3441 or toll free at 1-866-286-6788!
Jenefer Smalley - Wild Waterways Adventures
Meet Jenefer Smalley, one half of the dynamic duo at the helm of Wild Waterways Adventures (WWA), a highly regarded marine ecotourism company based out of Quadra Island. Born and raised along the stunning coastline of British Columbia, Jen brings her passion for wildlife and the beauty of the natural world to every adventure she guides. With fierce determination and effort, she has transformed her dream of creating meaningful adventure based experiences that deeply connect people to the beauties of the wild world around them into a flourishing business.
Wild Waterways Adventures believe that having fun and showing respect for Mother Nature go hand in hand, and that great stewardship takes great care and responsible management. Their ecotourism business model reflects core values of giving back to the environment and supporting their communities by actively investing in local projects that educate others, conserve ecological integrity and promote sustainability.
About Jenefer
Jenefer is more than a skilled tour operator and guide—she’s a gifted storyteller whose love for her craft shows. With Métis heritage, she weaves Indigenous history into her tours, offering guests a deeper cultural connection to the places they explore.
Prior to taking the leap into the world of self employment, Jen led excursions at some of the most prestigious eco-lodges and luxury yachts along the West Coast of BC, including Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, and the Discovery Islands and her qualifications are as extensive as her experience; including a Diploma of Technology in Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation from BCIT, certifications as a Naturalist, SVOP Boat Driver, and a Paddle Canada Touring 1 Skills instructor. Jenefer is also a dedicated yogini and student of Advaita Tantra Yoga and the Mary Magdalene School, and her spiritual practices reflect her profound connections to the natural world.
We asked Jen a few questions about her entrepreneurial journey
When did you know you wanted to be self employed?
"When I worked for Nimmo Bay Resort 4 years ago as a guide and it was such long hours and hard work! I had been guiding professionally for years, then something in me just shifted during that time and I wanted to ground in one place and felt ready to open my own business".
What do you like most/least about being self employed?
"I like the freedom to be creative with marketing, creating tours and guiding people into immersive adventures in nature. I love being a naturalist and sharing with the world about the beautiful beings that we share the ocean and land with. And I hope that my inspiration helps people to be happier and treat wildlife with even more reverence".
"What I don't love and didn't anticipate was the overhead and stress of managing a business like this, or having difficult conversations with my business partner when our core values or visions for the business don't align."
What are some of the key lessons you've learned through your entrepreneurial journey so far?
"I've learned to take better care of myself and not get lost in all the stress and challenges of business. As a small business owner you wear many hats and it can be very hard to differentiate between business and pleasure. It's easy to work long hours every single day if you are not mindful to take time away for your wellness".
What is one thing you think everyone considering the journey to self-employment should know?
"I'd say this journey of entrepreneurship can be very rewarding with the creative freedom of being your own boss and fulfilling when you love what you do. On the flip side, it can also be very challenging on so many levels, including having to contend with the instability of the current economy. Make sure you are pursuing what you love, don't embark on this journey with just any old idea, and make sure you take long term compatibility with potential business partners into consideration. If you aren't 100 per cent sure about partnering with someone, go it alone. Business partnerships are just like any other relationship, they don't always go the way you hope they will and this can add stress to your entrepreneurial journey.
Despite how hard I find the business aspect of my entrepreneurial experience, I still get nourished by the job itself which is so important. It's a kin to the journey through life with its highs and low, business is no different and there is always more to learn and be humbled by".
Read more about Jenefer's story and discover the NIEFS connection here: https://cortescurrents.ca/the-passion-behind-wild-water-adventures/