Entrepreneur Exhibits at AWC WEST 2026

Brandi’s Salsa

Brandi Matthews, Owner, Medicine Hat, AB

Online: https://brandisalsa.ca

Brandi’s Salsa

Mild, Medium, Hot, Ghost Pepper, Grimm Reaper, Dragon’s Breath, Mango Salsa as well as Dragon’s Breath Hot Sauce and Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips

Fresh ingredients only (locally sourced from Medicine Hat) deliver a vibrant, garden-fresh taste and supports local growers.

My name is Brandi Matthews, and I am proud to call Medicine Hat my home. I have always had a passion for creating homemade salsa to share with family and friends, especially during special occasions and gatherings. What began as a simple way to show appreciation and love through food gradually grew into something more meaningful. As more people tasted my salsa, friends and acquaintances began asking if they could purchase jars for themselves, which sparked the idea of turning my passion into a small business.

I am deeply committed to quality and freshness in every batch I create. All of my salsas are made using carefully selected, fresh ingredients sourced from local Medicine Hat greenhouses and surrounding areas all year long. Supporting local growers is important to me, and I believe it enhances both the flavour and integrity of my products. Each jar is prepared with attention to detail, from ingredient selection to final sealing, to ensure a consistently delicious and high-quality experience.

My salsas have received enthusiastic feedback and rave reviews from customers who appreciate their bold, fresh flavours and variety. I take pride in offering options that suit a wide range of taste preferences, from mild and flavourful to flavor with heat. Creating salsa is more than just a business for me—it is something I truly love doing. That passion is reflected in every jar I produce, and I am excited to continue sharing my creations with others.

PF Tallow

Ashley Perepelkin, Owner, Condor, AB

Online: www.pftallow.ca

PF Tallow
PF Tallow is a farm-to-body skincare line made in Alberta using locally sourced beef tallow and thoughtfully chosen natural ingredients. Each product is handcrafted to deeply nourish skin while staying simple, effective, and rooted in traditional, time-tested care.
  • Deeply moisturizes and supports the skin barrier with nutrient-rich tallow
  • Gentle and non-toxic, ideal for sensitive and problem-prone skin
  • Handcrafted with minimal, natural ingredients for long-lasting hydration

PF Tallow is an Alberta-made, farm-to-body skincare brand rooted in simplicity, tradition, and integrity. Born on a working family farm, PF Tallow transforms locally sourced beef tallow into deeply nourishing skincare that honors both land and livestock. Every product is thoughtfully handcrafted in small batches, reflecting a commitment to quality, transparency, and time-tested methods that modern skincare often overlooks.

At the heart of PF Tallow is the belief that skin thrives best with ingredients it recognizes. Beef tallow is naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as fatty acids that closely mimic the skin’s own structure, allowing for superior absorption and long-lasting hydration. By pairing tallow with carefully selected essential oils, PF Tallow delivers products that are effective without being overcomplicated.

PF Tallow is proudly non-toxic, free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary fillers. This makes the line gentle enough for sensitive skin while still powerful enough to support dryness, irritation, and everyday skin stress. From whipped lotions to balms and soaps, each product is designed to nourish, protect, and restore the skin barrier.

More than skincare, PF Tallow represents a connection to agriculture, sustainability, and mindful consumption. By utilizing a valuable by-product of beef production, the brand supports nose-to-tail use and reduces waste while celebrating Canadian farming. PF Tallow is skincare with a story—honest, hardworking, and crafted with care from pasture to jar.

Ashley Perepelkin lives on a farm with her husband and four children, along with her 100 cow calf pairs, fat steers, replacement heifers and bull prospects. Born and raised in the city Ashley was not privy to the farm life, however, through continuing education, trials and tribulations Ashley has become a successful herdsman as well as business owner though ‘farm to table’ beef sales, and newly founded beef tallow lotion. Ashley always has an ‘open door’ policy on the farm and if you ever come over and can not find her, just head down to the barn and that’s where she will be. Coming from the city and moving to the farm has given Ashley the opportunity to build a program from the ground up. Come to the speech to learn more about Ashley and her journey.

The Honey Merchants

Katie Merchat, Owner/Operator, Calgary, AB

Online: https://TheHoneyMerchants.com

The Honey Merchants

The Honey Merchants Honey is a local Calgary, Alberta-based honey company that creates honey in all sorts of flavors for culinary indulgence and natural health benefits.

Through entrepreneurship, storytelling, and a whole lot of heart, Katie is spreading sweetness and curiosity- one jar, and one classroom, at a time.