Led by Ellen Wheeler, vice president of partnerships for Alive Publishing Group and publisher of CNHR, this column highlights outstanding female leaders and innovators in our natural health community.

In this issue, Ellen speaks with Kim LeBeau, vice president of LeBeau Excel Sales & Marketing. Kim is focused on retail head office engagement and process improvement. With over 28 years’ experience in the natural food and NHP industry, she has previously held senior management roles in administration and sales at Puresource Inc. and Fit Foods LTD

Industry icon Deane Parkes died of natural causes on June 10 at his home in Two Mile, BC. Since his passing, the outpouring of love and gratitude expressed for Deane has been overwhelming.

For more than 50 years, health food stores have thrived by offering something big-box stores can’t replicate: trusted advice, specialty selection, and personal relationships built over generations.

Astadaily, the Canadian astaxanthin brand, is bringing its products to retail shelves across the country. The lineup includes All-in-One Astaxanthin and Astaxanthin Pure, now available at Calgary Co-op, one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America, with more retailers set to follow.

CHFA NOW Toronto 2026 is just weeks away! This exciting and inspiring event brings together the best brands, brokers, distributors, and retailers in the natural, organic, and wellness (NOW) industry. It is also a busy and lively occasion, so you may want to have clear goals and a plan of action so that you don’t miss out on key opportunities. Here are 10 tips from industry experts for a successful tradeshow experience:

This September, Iconthin Biotech celebrates its 10th anniversary. The company behind the astaxanthin brand, Astadaily, Iconthin Biotech has spent a decade advancing Canadian research in microalgae-derived astaxanthin—with roots tracing back even further to 2013, when founder Dr. Alvin Cheng’s research began.

Each of us makes an impact. While we may not set out every day to change the world, our actions and choices add up. Whether it’s a kind word, a warm smile, or a listening ear, we all make a difference in our own, small ways.