Building, designing, decorating and delivering results
Home maker takes on another meaning, an extra dimension, when you look at the array of women profiled on the next six pages. Each is playing a significant role in the business they work in, whether as owner or as a key employee. Their drive, as many word it, their “passion,” is clearly deep in their bones and hearts. And the quality of their work is at the highest level, winning industry awards and accolades from delighted customers and homeowners.
These women are not pioneers in their field — they stand on the shoulders of women who went before them — but they are in turn tremendously inspiring people.
Heidi Bayley
Cottage Culture
Cottage Culture, a division of Iceculture in Hensall, has been offering customers beautiful Scandinavian-designed outdoor furniture since 2021. The store also stocks Canadian-made fire pits and unique outdoor accessories, says Heidi Bayley, president of Iceculture.
Heidi enjoys finding the perfect items for customers. “Sales aren’t about convincing someone to buy something, but rather about finding the right pieces for what they are trying to achieve. We do that well.” She explains that her furniture is versatile, allowing different lines to work together, and it looks great indoors, too. “You can put a piece in a living room and multi-purpose it.”
Heidi loves to combine her business savvy with her creative side and has found that balance through her businesses and by helping others. “I’m doing that in two companies,” she says, “and in my charitable work with Karen’s Place, which offers transitional housing for older women.”
• cottage-culture.ca
Tina Bax
Lakewood Garden Centre
Tina Bax, a dedicated business owner and investor, resides year-round in Bayfield with her partner, Scott Gregory. Passionate about revitalizing first-generation businesses, Tina guides them into their next chapter, offering courses as well as insights on successful business exits through her online platform “JusttheBax.” As Vice-Chair of the Huron County Economic Development Board, Tina is enthusiastic about the county’s entrepreneurial spirit and assists business growth and new operations across the county.
At Lakewood Garden Centre she oversees strategic direction and technology implementation. Tina’s journey includes overcoming a near-fatal health crisis, which deepened her gratitude for her team and work. She encourages women in business to prioritize self-care, maintain financial health, and leverage networking opportunities for success. Tina says, “Even our struggles are things to be grateful for.”
• lakewoodgardencentre.com
Maria Camacaro
V+V Homes
“If you’re passionate about something, go for it. It will take you places you never expected!”
This is the empowering advice from Maria Camacaro, a dynamic force in the world of interior design. Originally from Venezuela, Maria moved to London in 2019 as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and decided to make Canada her home amidst the pandemic and political unrest back home.
Maria is earnestly committed to creating functional, beautiful spaces that meet clients’ needs. She loves tackling challenges and turning them into meaningful solutions, an enthusiasm that began in childhood when she watched HGTV and dreamed of creating her own spaces.
Currently Maria is in her fourth year of the Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program at Fanshawe College. Her dedication to her craft earned her the 2023 LHBA Design Award and a coveted co-op position with V+V Homes.
• vandvhomes.ca
Averil Copp
Copp Backyard Homes
Whether it’s helping a client add a rental unit to their property or allowing elderly parents to keep their independence in a space-efficient dwelling, Averil Copp finds fulfilment in her work each day. Averil is the construction and design manager for Copp Backyard Homes, which offers four cost-effective, compact models — from 395 to 800 square feet — that can be built on a property owner’s existing lot.
“We started working with the city in 2022 on these designs, recognizing there was a need for additional housing units,” says Averil. “It’s gratifying knowing that you are assisting others with home affordability.”
The company, a division of Copp Building Materials Limited, will add additional designs this year. “It’s an incredible experience working within the longtime family business with my father, and spearheading this division with my brother.”
• cbyh.ca
Nicole Giakoumatos
Legacy Homes
Nicole Giakoumatos’ first summer job in high school was working with her father, whofounded Westhaven Homes. Now she has her own custom home building company, in partnership with husband Gerry Giakoumatos and brother Mike Goncalves. “We have always been in this industry,” says Nicole. “It’s in our blood.”
Legacy Homes, a 2024 London Home Builders’ Association two-time award winner for a luxury beach house property in Grand Bend, tailors designs to each client’s lifestyle and vision. “Our craft is unique, very functional and beautiful,” says Nicole.
Nicole, who also has a background in real estate, a Master’s degree in Sociology, and is the mother of three young children, says she has always had a passion for building and design. “It’s so nice to share that with every client, and be a part of their home-building journey.”
• legacyhomesoflondon.com
Laura Goffin
CLAY Design, Construction & Cabinetry
For Laura Goffin, cabinetmaking isn’t just a job — it’s a passion. A London native who spent over seven years in Boston, Laura has always loved working with her hands. With a background in Fine Arts and Classical Studies, she eventually found her way to North Bennet Street School, where she discovered the joy of woodworking.
With CLAY for over two years, Laura values the company’s family-focused approach, especially as a mother. “Child rearing can be a challenge for women in the trades,” she says, “but I knew they would be supportive.”
Each day, she takes pride in creating something tangible — beautiful, functional pieces that will last. Her advice to other women? “Don’t let preconceived notions hold you back, especially your own. Dream big.”
• claydcc.ca
Amanda Hardy
London Kitchen Studio
Amanda Hardy, a dedicated kitchen designer, lives in a cozy community north of London with her husband, two teenage boys, and their dog, Jake. Her family’s life revolves around hockey and baseball, and she treasures weekends at their cabin, enjoying outdoor fun with friends and family.
She also loves golfing with her women’s group, reading, walking Jake, and staying active at the gym.
Growing up on a farm west of Dashwood, Amanda learned the value of hard work. After earning an Interior Design Diploma from Fanshawe College, she has spent over 21 years in the cabinetry industry, with four years at London Kitchen Studio.
Amanda finds joy in transforming clients’ spaces. She encourages women to embrace creativity and seek support, saying, “Seeing a project come to life is incredibly rewarding.”
• londonkitchenstudio.ca
Bonnie Hardy
CLAY Design, Construction & Cabinetry
“Believe you can be and do anything,” encourages Bonnie Hardy, co-owner of CLAY.
Bonnie grew up on a small farm in Wyoming, Ontario, and moved to London in 1991 with Bell Canada. She left Nortel Networks in 2001 to grow Covenant Homes Inc. with her husband Craig, rebranding to CLAY after acquiring Millennium Construction.
A lifelong learner with a passion for heritage, Bonnie enjoys exploring vintage auctions and historical homes. She loves solving old problems with new solutions and developing people to their best selves. Fondly recalling fixing old machinery
with her dad, Bonnie says, “Those moments taught me perseverance and creativity.”
With a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, she advises women to “have thick skin, be compassionate, and bring a new perspective.”
• claydcc.ca
Michelle Kinney
Rembrandt Homes
Born in Elliot Lake and raised in London, Michelle Kinney’s path to homebuilding was deeply personal. Years before joining custom home builder Rembrandt Homes, Michelle and her husband built their own home with the company, an experience that sparked her passion for the industry. Now Vice President, Michelle loves the creativity and problem-solving that come with transforming blueprints into homes where families will grow and make memories.
Originally a paramedic, Michelle’s transition into homebuilding was inspired by her father, who taught her the value of hard work on construction sites. Her advice to women in the field? Build your network. “Connect with local home builder associations and seek out mentors.”
When she’s not shaping London’s landscape, Michelle enjoys hockey, golf, camping and traveling — especially to warm destinations.
• rembrandthomes.ca
Yvonne McLeod
Amber Light Custom Cabinetry
Yvonne McLeod thrives in the dynamic and competitive field of interior design, embracing the chance to learn and grow each day. “While the industry can be perceived as pretentious, I strive to remain grounded,” she states. “I take pride in being an attentive listener.”
As the principal designer at Amber Light Custom Cabinetry, Yvonne brings 25 years of design expertise to her role, with a strong commitment to satisfying each client’s needs. A mother of four, she considers it a privilege to operate her own business and eagerly anticipates assisting her clients in realizing their aspirations. “I am a firm believer that hard work consistently yields positive results.”
In addition to her award-winning design work, Yvonne is an educator who has been teaching interior design at Fanshawe College for over 20 years. “It is immensely fulfilling to witness the success of my students in the field.”
• amberlightcabinetry.com
Elaine Melchers
Melchers Construction
For Elaine Melchers, home design is about creating spaces that feel personal, functional and warm. Born in Ireland and shaped by frequent moves for her parents’ careers, Elaine saw how thoughtful design could turn any space into a home. With a family full of artists and homemakers, she developed an early appreciation for colour, texture, and form — learning to watercolour from her grandmother and drawing inspiration from her aunt and uncle’s artwork.
After nearly two decades as a teacher, Elaine transitioned to work full-time with Melchers Construction, the company she and her husband Chris are growing together from the renovation business her in-laws started in 1987. Now, as a model home designer and project manager, she blends creativity and function to help families find joy in their spaces. “I want everyone to love where they live,” she says.
• melchersconstruction.com
Amanda Nieman
Nieman Market Design
Nieman Market Design has been helping people organize their living spaces for 40 years, and the company continues to find ways to make a client’s life easier to navigate. “Maximizing storage for clients changes the way a home functions,” says Amanda Nieman, head of sales and marketing.
Amanda and her brother Justin recently led the company’s 2000 sq ft Hyde Park showroom reno. “It showcases a variety of cabinet stykes for closets, garages and more, allowing visitors to explore different storage solutions” says Amanda, whose parents founded the company.
In addition to custom closets, Amanda notes they can create storage solutions for rooms without existing closets and will soon expand into outdoor kitchens and wine rooms. “We can design anything that someone has a vision for.”
Amanda believes the company’s success over the years comes down to one simple principle: treat clients like family while working hard to deliver exceptional results.
• niemanmarketdesign.com
Patricia Oslizlo
DETAILS Custom Ltd.
“Go for it. You need confidence, be assertive, and know your stuff,” advises Patricia Oslizlo, Co-President, Lead Designer, and Creative Director of Details Renovation & Design and Details Custom Ltd.
Born and raised in London, Patricia and her husband Luke, high school sweethearts, have been together for almost 18 years. They have three daughters and share a genuine passion for architecture and home design. For 13 years, they have crafted unique, custom-designed homes that align with their clients’ visions.
Patricia loves creating spectacular, high-quality designs and values the connections she has made in the industry. Originally an HR professional, her career in construction evolved organically from flipping homes. Patricia is proud to see more women thriving in various roles within the construction industry.
• detailscustom.ca
Karen Weber
CLAY Design, Construction & Cabinetry
“Share your experiences with other women in the industry,” encourages Karen Weber, Business Manager at CLAY. Originally from Mississauga, Karen moved to London in 2016. She’s a proud mom of two and loves walking her dog, practicing yoga, and escaping to warm destinations.
Starting part-time at CLAY in 2019, she quickly transitioned to full-time in 2020. Karen thrives in the fast-paced, hands-on construction industry, finding joy in seeing projects come to life. “I may be biased, but I think we have the BEST team!” she beams.
With a Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management from Ryerson
(now MET), Karen cherishes the tangible impact she makes in a small business. Her advice? “Collaborate, uplift each other, and start networking within the industry, even if it’s just following other women in the trades on social media.”
• claydcc.ca
Jessica Witka
Jessica’s Painting
As a Red Seal painter and decorator, Jessica Witka is trained in a number of distinctive styles of paint, wallpaper applications and faux finishes, and she sets a high professional standard for her skilled team of employees. Jessica has over 17 years of experience and her company can handle any size job.
Jessica’s Painting has won numerous local awards for both painting and interior design, and was a 2023 finalist with the London Chamber of Commerce for Small Business of the Year. Jessica has a keen eye for both colour and finishes and is cost-conscious to ensure you get the best results for your money. And she ensures every crew member prides themselves on being tidy.
“All we’ll leave behind,” says Jessica, “is a project done to your complete satisfaction.”
• jessicaspainting.ca
Sarah Westaway
London Kitchen Studio
Sarah Westaway, a dedicated kitchen designer, has been with London Kitchen Studio since its inception six years ago and has nearly 23 years of experience in the industry. A wife and mom to two hockey-loving teenage boys, Sarah enjoys nature, art, animals, and spending time outdoors.
Growing up on a farm in Huron County instilled in her a strong work ethic. After moving to London for college, Sarah found her passion in kitchen design. She loves every aspect of her job, from meeting clients and creating designs to overseeing installations.
Sarah encourages women in the industry to be confident and creative, saying, “Everything will always work out, even if there is a side step. That’s the great thing about having a creative mind — we can always dream up a great solution.”
• londonkitchenstudio.ca
