Our Story
Julie Mitchell and Christine Russell connected in 2008 through Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Toronto. Through a forum group, we learned about each other’s lives and businesses and provided support through personal and professional transitions.
Babies and other ventures led us in different directions, but we recently reconnected over coffee. Sure enough, by the time our cups were empty, we had started a business!
We’d been discussing how women need other women—especially entrepreneurs and especially now. We’d seen the magic when women collaborate and are free to lead from our inner strengths.
It didn’t take long for us to create a year-long workshop series for independent business women to foster deeper, meaningful relationships.
It all comes together—on Friday—our favourite day of the week. Friday’s the day we change our cadence and make space for ourselves. Our aim is that on Friday will quickly become the day you look forward to most, as well.
Julie Mitchell (she/her)
In 2004, I launched Parcel Design, a branding firm that has appeared on the PROFIT500 Canada’s fastest-growing companies list and was named to the W100, which recognizes the top women-owned businesses in Canada.
In 2006, I invested in a 5,500 sq ft commercial building (the most terrifying and gratifying business decision I've made to date). Ten years later, my passion for indoor cycling inspired me to open Torq Ride, which quickly established a community of raving fans. When COVID prompted us to adopt hybrid work, I converted our workspace into an event space.
All the while, I’ve been facilitating workshops, strategic planning sessions, and goal-setting retreats for owners of growth-minded companies across North America. (And I have a teenage cold-water surfing, rugby-playing, bass guitarist named Charlie!)
When I’m asked how I find the time to do all of this, my answer is that I learned to leverage our brands to build self-managed businesses. Reinforcing your values through replicable systems gives you the confidence—and freedom—to lead in ways that let you and your business thrive.
Christine Russell (she/her)
I am an innately joyful, multi-faceted, heart-led entrepreneur and mother of three daughters. My heart lives at the intersection of business and well-being.
My entrepreneurial journey began when Intrawest Resorts recruited me from the Richard Ivey Business School to create experiential luxury resort villages in California. I inspired entrepreneurs to envision new opportunities by becoming part of something emergent and magnificent.
This motivated me to follow my own entrepreneurial path and open 889 Community, a yoga and wellness spa in Toronto, with my sister Emily. Our flagship opened in 2007 and was soon followed by locations in The Four Seasons Hotel and at Thompson Toronto.
In 2018, we sold 889 to start a new venture, Essential Sisters, a global team of wellness advocates for doTERRA Essential Oils.
Nearly two decades into a blend of mindfulness, yoga, business leadership, one-to-one mentorship, and group facilitation, I know that elevating women in life and business is my calling. I thrive witnessing women shine—creating opportunities to step into the business leader and woman you are here to be. Spacious, successful and at ease.
Want to learn more? Let’s talk—on Friday.
Book a call with us—we’re happy to chat any day of the week ;)