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Olympian Sarah Wells joins Amanda after delivering her keynote at the Flagstaff Celebrate Success Gala to talk about what it really means to pursue excellence — not for applause, but for who we become in the process.

Sarah shares how her journey from the track to the stage taught her that excellence isn’t about medals or titles, but about choices, resilience, and redefining success when the plan falls apart. From missing her second Olympic qualification to finding purpose in failure, Sarah opens up about identity, discipline, and why hope matters more than winning.

Whether you’re chasing a business goal, raising a family, or just figuring out what’s next, Sarah’s message hits home: excellence is who we become when no one’s watching.

To learn more about Sarah Wells:

Website www.thesarahwells.com

Instagram: @sarahwells400mh

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Tylene, co-founder of Hohm and Co. What started as a small family project selling at farmers’ markets has grown into a storefront in Hardisty, Alberta, with an online presence reaching customers across Canada. Tylene shares how the business is rooted in community, fueled by a passion for beautiful, Canadian-made products, and built with an intentional focus on organic growth.

From juggling careers outside the shop to leaning on family support, Hohm and Co is proof that rural entrepreneurs can create city-quality experiences without leaving small towns behind. Tylene also reflects on the opportunities that come when you’re willing to take risks, say yes at the right time, and trust that even in rural Alberta, innovation and resilience can open unexpected doors.

To learn more about Hohm and Co:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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In this episode of Rural. Unrecognized., Bobbi Delowsky talks honestly about how her career has changed over the years, from starting as a massage therapist to running her own wellness space called Align and Release Wellness.

Bobbi shares how her interest in fitness grew out of her own need to take care of her body. She never planned to teach fitness, but after trying a class that pushed her way out of her comfort zone, something shifted. That moment helped her realize that movement could be powerful, emotional, and healing, not just physical.

She also talks about the challenges of being in a small town, balancing business with family, and learning to trust herself when making big decisions. One of those decisions was buying a house and an old church to turn into a wellness space. She was scared, but she asked for support and went for it anyway.

Throughout the conversation, Bobbi opens up about body image, confidence, and how hard it can be to start something new. But she also shows how worth it it is to show up for yourself, even if it’s just an hour at a time.

To learn more about Align and Release Wellness:

Facebook: The B Class

Facebook: Massage

Email Massage

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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Joanne McMahon has been a pillar in early childhood education in Flagstaff County for over 30 years, but when the pandemic hit, she tried something new: she brought her enthusiasm, experience, and spark to the screen. What started as a way to connect during COVID became Busy Bees Early Childhood Learning, an online program connecting families through playful, developmentally rich learning sessions for preschoolers, and their parents.

In this episode, Joanne shares how she built Busy Bees from the ground up with the support of Flagstaff County’s Entrepreneur Empowerment and Mastermind programs, overcoming business fears like pricing and structure while staying rooted in her true passion: helping kids thrive through play.

She explains the deep value of play-based learning, the science behind songs and nursery rhymes, and the magic of watching a child light up when “Joanne said…” becomes part of their everyday vocabulary. Her vision? To bring Busy Bees across Canada, from farming communities in Alberta to living rooms in Newfoundland, and to help families everywhere feel connected, supported, and ready for kindergarten.

Joanne’s warmth is contagious, her sessions are packed with meaning, and her mission is clear: bloom where you’re planted, and help kids grow—one song, story, and pair of scissors at a time.

To learn more about Busy Bees Childhood Learning

Website: www.busybeeslearning.ca

Instagram: Busy Bees Learning

Facebook: Busy Bees Facebook

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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What started as a casual afternoon class quickly turned into a full-blown pottery journey for Morgan, founder of Tiny Co Pottery. In this episode, she shares how a spontaneous workshop opened the door to a creative life rooted in intention, values, and community.

Morgan walks us through the transition from dental hygienist to potter, how she unexpectedly found herself buying a kiln, and the decision to let her hobby evolve into a business. We talk about the challenges of pricing art, working from home, and setting boundaries as a creative and a parent.

Grounded in the legacy of her great-grandmother—“Tiny”—Morgan shares how family, faith, and generosity shape her work, her business decisions, and her definition of success. We also talk about the slow, meditative nature of pottery, letting go of the “growth at all costs” mindset, and why sometimes, small is just right.

Morgan’s work is personal, functional, and full of heart. She reminds us that rural doesn’t mean limited—it means connected, supported, and deeply rooted.

To learn more about Tiny Potter Co

Website: tinycopottery.com

Instagram: Tiny Pottery Studio

Podcast Morgan Referenced Better Than Big

Book Morgan Referenced Build The Life You Want

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we talk with Jill, Kristy, and Lynette—co-founders of Salted, a handcrafted caramel company based in Flagstaff County. What began as a small side project during the pandemic has grown into a thriving business rooted in intention, collaboration, and a willingness to take big risks.

From investing in custom equipment to stepping away from other jobs, the Salted team shares what it looked like to go all in. They speak candidly about finding their roles, building trust, and navigating growth—while staying focused on why they started in the first place.

Because as they’ll tell you, it was never just about the caramels.

We explore what it means to build a luxury product in a rural setting, how Flagstaff Crafted played a role in their early growth, and why being willing to ask for help (and hear a few no’s) has made all the difference.

If you’re in the middle of building something, wondering what’s next, or just looking for insight on what real business growth can look like—this conversation offers both inspiration and practical takeaways

To learn more about SALTED

Website: www.shopsalted.ca

Instagram: SALTED

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we meet Tracey and John, the owners of JD Barrett Woodworking, a custom woodworking business that has found success in both urban and rural Alberta. Originally from the UK, John started his career as a joiner, specializing in doors, windows, and staircases before running his own renovation business. Seeking new opportunities and a better lifestyle, he and Tracy made the leap to Canada, where they built a thriving woodworking business known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What sets JD Barrett Woodworking apart is their ability to create custom, high-end pieces while maintaining a strong commitment to their clients. Their reputation has been built almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals rather than traditional marketing, proving that exceptional work speaks for itself. They have worked on stunning home renovations, intricate cabinetry, and even custom furniture, bringing a blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern design to their projects.

One of the biggest shifts in their journey was choosing to move from Airdrie to the quiet, scenic community of Alliance located in the Flagstaff Region. While they still travel to Calgary for work, they have found immense benefits in rural living. John and Tracy describe the peace and balance that come with stepping away from the fast-paced demands of city life. In Alliance, they have the freedom to enjoy their property, take breaks in the middle of the day, and truly appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. The sense of community is another major highlight—people are welcoming, supportive, and always looking out for one another.

For those considering a move to a smaller community, John and Tracy’s story is a testament to the opportunities and lifestyle benefits that come with it. Their passion for craftsmanship, combined with the charm and tranquility of rural Alberta, makes their journey one worth sharing.


To learn more about J.D. Barrett Woodworking
Website: www.jd-barrett.com
Instagram: JD Barrett Woodwork Inc
Email: info@jd-barrett.com

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca
To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner
This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

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In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Darek Graff, managing partner of Killam Home Hardware, to talk about small-town business, community values, and playing the long game in entrepreneurship.

Darek shares how Home Hardware’s cooperative model allows his local store to maintain its independence while benefiting from the buying power of a larger organization. This flexibility enables Killam Home Hardware to tailor its inventory and services to the needs of the community while competing with big-box stores. But for Dare - business isn’t just about selling products…it’s about “giving a damn” and building relationships.

A lifelong resident of the Flagstaff region, Darek grew up in the business, starting work at the store at just 12 years old before pursuing carpentry and eventually returning to take over operations. He reflects on the lessons he learned from his grandparents and parents, particularly around delayed gratification, hard work, and perseverance.

Throughout the conversation, Darek emphasizes the importance of community connection—whether it’s greeting customers by name, coaching youth sports, or volunteering on local boards. He sees small-town businesses as more than just retail spaces; they are hubs of support, mentorship, and trust.

Darek also opens up about the challenges of growth and leadership, including learning to delegate, avoiding burnout, and striking a balance between business ambitions and family life. He explains how optimizing operations, investing in the right people, and trusting his team have allowed him to be home for his kids while still driving business success.

As the episode wraps up, Darek shares his hopes for the future of Flagstaff County, including diversifying the local economy to attract young professionals and families. His philosophy is simple but powerful: do a good job, care about people, and you’ll get recognized.

Tune in to hear Darek’s honest and heartfelt take on running a business in rural Alberta, the power of small-town connections, and why success is all about playing the long game.

To learn more about Killam Home Hardware

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Visit Killam Home Hardware: 5029 57 St, Killam, AB T0B 2L0

To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca

To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner

This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films