A Sylvan Lake woman’s entrepreneurial successes have earned her some high-profile airtime and ink.
Jodee Prouse, president and founder of Happy Hippo Bath Co., has been chosen for inclusion in Global Edmonton’s Woman of Vision program. She’ll be profiled during Global TV’s 6 p.m. newscast on Monday, and again on Tuesday during the Edmonton station’s morning newscast.
The Woman of Vision program recognizes women who have demonstrated vision, leadership and success.
Producer and host Lesley MacDonald said Prouse will also be included in a special one-hour broadcast in May, and her story told in the March issue of Avenue Edmonton magazine.
And she will be one of 12 Woman of Vision recipients honoured at a March 15 luncheon in Edmonton.
Happy Hippo makes and sells bath and other body care products.
All manufacturing is done in Sylvan Lake, with a workforce of mothers who are allowed to fit their hours around family commitments.
In addition to Happy Hippo, which was founded in 2006, Prouse operates other related businesses.
MacDonald said she was an obvious choice for the Woman of Vision program.
“What she has done is absolutely amazing,” said MacDonald, noting that Prouse’s entrepreneurial pursuits date back to when she was a young teen, and that she found a way to raise her family while pursuing a career.
MacDonald also appreciates Prouse’s support of other working moms, and is impressed by the success of Happy Hippo.
“The idea that, on $2 items, she’s been able to build a business that last year made $1.2 million — that’s unbelievable.”
MacDonald also marvelled at Prouse’s marketing efforts, which have included giving her products to celebrities at the Canadian Country Music Awards and the Emmys.
“I call her the small-town girl with the big ideas.
“To me, she has the business acumen, she has the marketing and she has the creativity. It’s quite a combination — and she’s from Sylvan Lake, Alberta.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com