Directions Business Conference

Keynote Speaker — Amanda Buhse, CEO, Coal and Canary Candle Company

October 18, 2023

Headshot of Amanda Buhse, CEO Coal and Canary Candle Company

Amanda Buhse, a dynamic entrepreneur and marketing virtuoso, stands as the Founder of Coal and Canary, while co-founding Piper & Perro. Her exceptional creative prowess has garnered recognition on both national and international stages, including accolades from Forbes, placement in prestigious awards shows such as the GRAMMYs, Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes, and features in The Globe and Mail, Good Morning America, Cameron Diaz’s The Body Book, Style at Home, Canadian Living, and many more.

With a passion for infusing creativity into every facet of business and life, Amanda’s indomitable spirit transformed her brand from a modest $40 investment into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Forbes Magazine celebrated Coal and Canary as “Canada’s beloved artisan candle company” under Amanda’s visionary leadership.

Her impressive list of accolades includes being named “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” (WBOM, 2019), “Volunteer of the Year” (Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, 2019), and “Small Business of the Year” (TWAD, 2019). She’s a two-time recipient of the Spirit of Winnipeg Award (Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, 2019 & 2023). Amanda’s global impact is evident through her role as a G20 YEA Canadian Delegate, representing Canada at the international G20 Summit held in Milan in 2021 and the subsequent summit in Hamburg, Germany in 2022.

Amanda’s commitment to the small business community extends to her roles as an Executive Board Member for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member for the World Trade Centre of Winnipeg, and was the Co-Chair of the Small Business Advisory Council (WCOC, 2019). She was also selected as a Chamber representative to advise the Mayor of Winnipeg’s Business Task Force on the COVID-19 related challenges faced by the local business community in 2020.

A passionate advocate for female entrepreneurship in Canada, Amanda is on a mission to empower individuals to tap into their inner strength, trust their instincts, and live boldly. She shares her personal journey of triumph over tragedy, inspiring audiences nationwide to live authentically and embrace their true selves.

In her leisure moments, Amanda’s creative spirit shines through her love for singing, composing music, painting, and crafting exquisite meals for loved ones. Despite her frequent travels across North America, her heart finds its truest home by the shores of Brereton Lake in Manitoba.

Amanda Buhse is a visionary force of creativity, a catalyst for change, and an inspirational leader in the worlds of business and personal development. Amanda is a proud RRC Polytech alumni having graduated from the Graphic Design program (now called Communication Design) in 2006.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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