“The richness in life is time.”
For Emma, building a business was never just about success in the traditional sense. It was about creating something that allowed her to stay connected to her community, her passion, and most importantly, her family.
Through her mobile catering company, EKB Baking & Catering, Emma brings people together through food served fresh, on-site, and rooted in local Manitoba ingredients.
From a 10-Year Dream to Reality
Emma’s journey didn’t start overnight. 
“This has been about 10 years in the making,” she shares.
For years, she knew she wanted something of her own, but not a traditional restaurant. She envisioned something mobile, something that allowed her to move, meet people, and be part of different communities.
That vision began to take shape during COVID while working as a head chef. As the industry shifted, she found herself rethinking how food could be delivered, creating take-home meals and new ways to connect with customers.
Then came the turning point.
After having her son in 2021 and taking maternity leave, Emma began to seriously consider what building something of her own could look like. Instead of returning to her previous role, she stayed home with her kids and started taking on small catering jobs and private chef work.
“That’s when it clicked,” she says. “I loved the connection, the creativity, and bringing something meaningful directly to people.”
From there, EKB Baking & Catering was born.
A Business Built on Experience and Community
EKB Catering isn’t your typical catering service.
Designed around a fully equipped mobile kitchen, Emma’s setup allows her to serve everything from casual food truck-style meals to elevated, plated dining experiences, all cooked fresh, on-site.
“I wanted to create something where food wasn’t sitting in a hot box,” she explains. “Everything is made fresh, right there.”
Her approach is also deeply rooted in supporting local.
“Manitoba has so much to offer—we just don’t tap into it enough.”
Emma works closely with local farms, sourcing ingredients like meats, produce, and specialty items directly from Manitoba suppliers. Her philosophy is simple: let the food speak for itself.
“If you’re having chicken—you should taste the chicken.”
The Power of Support
Like many entrepreneurs, Emma didn’t build her business alone.
Through her connection with WeMB, she found the guidance and support she needed to turn her idea into a fully realized business.
“The support was insane—I wouldn’t be here without it.”
Working closely with her advisor, Yvette Hawkes, Emma and accessing WeMB’s WeGreen loan, Emma was able to take her idea and transform it into a structured, sustainable business. She describes the experience as both practical and deeply personal.
From breaking down complex business concepts into manageable steps to building confidence during moments of doubt, the support she received made all the difference. Her business plan grew from just six pages to a detailed 25-page roadmap, complete with contingency planning and long-term strategy.
And when it came time to present? “It was approved sooner than I expected,” she says. “That’s when it all felt real.”
What She’d Say to Other Women
For women thinking about starting a business, or even just exploring the idea, Emma’s advice is simple:
Start.
“There’s never a perfect time,” she says. “You just have to begin.”
She emphasizes that passion is what carries you through, and having the right support system can amplify that in ways you don’t expect.
“They don’t just support your idea, they build you up. They make you feel like you can actually do this.”
A Moment That Made It All Worth It
One of Emma’s biggest milestones came with her first major event: Harvest & Hearth.
Hosted at Hawthorne Estates, the event featured a four-course meal, live music, and a curated experience designed to showcase everything EKB could offer.
It was a success, but what stood out most wasn’t just the event itself.
“My mom was there—and she cried the entire night,” Emma laughs. “That's when it all felt real."
Success, Redefined
For Emma, success doesn’t look like what people might expect.
“Success to me isn’t about being wealthy, it’s about having time.”
Her goal isn’t to become a household name, it’s to build a life where she can pursue her passion while being present for her family. She’s intentional about the kind of business she’s building, one that supports both her ambitions and her lifestyle.
“I want to be able to do what I love and still be there for my kids.”
That includes building something lasting.
A legacy.
“I love when we’re out driving and happen to pass the food truck, and my kids say, ‘that’s mom’s trailer.’ That means everything to me."
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Life Outside the Kitchen
When she’s not cooking, Emma enjoys experiencing food from the other side of the table.
Her favorite Winnipeg spots include Passero, Pizzeria Gusto, Hearth, Nola, Baby Baby, and Petit Socco—a family connection that makes it even more special.
And when it comes to holidays?
“People assume holidays are big cooking moments for us—but honestly, we’re happiest when someone else is doing it.”
What’s Next
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Looking ahead, Emma hopes to build long-term stability by partnering exclusively with a wedding venue as their contract chef, bringing her mobile kitchen while creating consistency in her schedule.
In the meantime, she continues to grow her business, connect with her community, and create meaningful experiences through food.
Her next event? A Mother’s Day brunch at River’s Edge Resort in Elma, Manitoba, just one of many exciting things on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Emma’s story is a reminder that building a business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing everything else.
With the right support, a clear vision, and a strong sense of purpose, it’s possible to build something that works for your life, not the other way around.
“It’s not a competition—there’s room for all of us.”