Carman entrepreneur Julie Myers, owner of The Floral Fixx, has been named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (WEYA), recognizing more than 25 years of leadership in Manitoba’s business community.
Presented annually, the award honours a woman with at least 15 years in business whose leadership and commitment continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Myers was recognized among finalists from across the province during the WEYA gala held Jan. 29 at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me,” Myers said. “When I first started The Floral Fixx, I never imagined being recognized in this way. I was simply focused on building something I was proud of, supporting my family, and serving my community.”
She said the recognition prompted reflection on the sacrifices and risks involved in building a business over decades.
“To have that journey acknowledged after more than 25 years is very humbling,” she said. “It reminds me that all the long days, late nights, risks, and sacrifices were worth it. It also reflects the amazing team, family, and customers who have supported me along the way — I truly couldn’t have done this alone.”
Myers’ journey began in Carman, where she grew up on her family’s farm surrounded by gardens, fields and flowers. She said those early years shaped both her work ethic and her deep respect for the natural world.
“Growing up on our family farm gave me a deep appreciation for nature, hard work, and caring for things from the ground up,” she said. “Being surrounded by flowers every day is where my love for florals really began.”
That interest became a career path through work at a local florist, where Myers said she was fortunate to learn from mentors who left a lasting impression on her approach to business and design.
“Mildred Salter, a true floral master, taught me the importance of craftsmanship and pride in your work,” she said. “Della Heaman inspired my creativity and love for flowers, and she would even pick me up every Saturday so I could go to work — something I will always be grateful for. Cheryl Bartley believed in me from the very beginning and encouraged me to follow this path.”
Those influences, Myers said, instilled discipline, creativity and confidence.
“They showed me the value of doing things properly, treating customers with care, and always striving for excellence,” she said. “That foundation still guides how we operate at The Floral Fixx today.”
That foundation eventually led to the launch of The Floral Fixx Design Studio, now a Winnipeg-based boutique specializing in weddings, events, workshops and everyday floral design. Known for luxury arrangements and distinctive style, the studio blends bold creativity with carefully sourced blooms and locally made products.
Over time, the business also became a family venture. Myers now works alongside her daughter, Madison, as a mother-daughter design team.
“Working with Madison has been one of the greatest joys of my career,” Myers said. “We love bouncing ideas off each other, traveling to trade shows and flower farms, and learning side by side. I laugh when I think something is really cool and she totally doesn’t — it keeps me current.”
She said Madison’s talent and growth have been especially meaningful to witness.
“She’s already designing at a level I wasn’t at at her age, and I truly believe she’ll be an even better designer than me,” Myers said. “Most of all, I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together every day. Not many people get to build a business with their child.”
Building a business while raising a family came with challenges, particularly in the early years.
“One of the biggest challenges was being taken seriously as a young woman in business,” Myers said. “At the same time, balancing family life, finances and the constant demands of running a business was extremely challenging.”
She said her children grew up in the shop, becoming part of the business itself.
“All three of them helped in their own ways,” she said. “Madison spent much of her childhood there. As a baby, she played with flowers beside my workbench, and as she got older she was always running around, learning and helping. Customers loved seeing her — it became part of our story.”
Peak seasons often meant missing family moments, Myers said, but support from her family made the difference.
“Christmas, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day are exactly when families want to be together,” she said. “That was never easy. But having my family alongside me, supporting me and growing with the business, meant everything.”
When asked what advice she would offer aspiring entrepreneurs, Myers emphasized belief, structure and staying true to one’s values.
“Believe in yourself and your vision, even when others don’t fully understand it yet,” she said. “Surround yourself with supportive people and mentors, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes — they are part of the journey.”
She said strong systems and processes were a turning point for her business.
“They’ve been a game changer,” she said. “Having clear structure allows you to grow sustainably and protect your time and energy.”
Looking ahead, Myers said education and continued learning are central to the future of The Floral Fixx.
“One of my biggest passions is expanding our Floral Design School,” she said. “Education has always been close to my heart, and I love being able to pass on what we’ve learned.”
She also plans to continue traveling to visit flower farms, including recent trips to Colombia, to deepen sourcing relationships and bring new ideas back to her team and customers.
“With Madison’s leadership and our amazing team, we’ll keep pushing creative boundaries,” Myers said. “Most importantly, we’ll continue to do it with heart, passion and a personal touch.”
The annual awards are coordinated by the Winnipeg Women’s Community and drew finalists from across the province, selected from more than 200 nominations. Now in its 34th year, the program aims to spotlight women strengthening Manitoba’s economy and communities.
“Being selected from more than 150 nominated women across Manitoba is no small feat,” awards chair Christine Thiessen said in a statement. “Every finalist represents excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership and community impact.”
Organizers said the event serves not only to honour individual achievements, but also to connect and inspire women business owners across Manitoba.
Nominations for the 2026 WEYA awards are expected to open in March.
