The Woman Behind Wildly
Q&A with Dee Larosa, Owner of Wildly in Banff, Alberta
Left to right: Corrie DiManno, Luna Kawano, Dee Larosa, Nanako Emori, Rachel Kolkman
Interviewer: As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’d love to hear more about your journey as a female entrepreneur in Banff. Can you share how Wildly came to life?
Dee: Wildly is a blend of my two passions, creativity and the outdoors. So it all started when I wanted to produce high quality, locally inspired, and sustainable products for residents and visitors in Banff. Because for me, it’s all about connecting people to nature and art while supporting small, local makers.
Starting my own business was always a dream of mine too. Snowboarding brought me to Canada from Australia, and then Banff’s incredible landscape and community made me fall in love with the place and build my life here. After years of working as a graphic designer for others, the stars aligned, and I decided it was time to make it happen for myself.
Interviewer: That’s so inspiring! As a woman in business, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Dee: For sure, there have been challenges. In the beginning, there was a lot of uncertainty. Would Wildly succeed? Would people be interested? There’s also the pressure to prove yourself, especially in Banff, where everyone’s so ambitious (in a good way!).
Balancing business and personal life has also been tricky at times. But setting boundaries is key. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of self-care and I’ve leaned into my support network, which includes the very motivated Wildly team, I couldn’t do it without them. It’s all about resilience, leaning on others, and growing through the hard moments.
Interviewer: Building a community with other women is often discussed as being key to success. Has that been part of your journey?
Dee: Absolutely! Banff’s business community is small but mighty and incredibly supportive. Whether it’s collaborating on events, sharing resources, or offering advice, we’re always lifting each other up. It’s empowering to know that we can rise together. I’m grateful we cheer each other on through the peaks and valleys.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to women thinking about starting their own business or pursuing a passion project?
Dee: Trust yourself. It’s easy to second-guess your abilities, especially when there’s so much external pressure on what success should look like. But success is different for everyone. Follow your vision and stay true to what excites you.
Also, don’t be afraid to fail. Mistakes are lessons in disguise. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, and remember: there’s no perfect time. If you have an idea that excites you, start now and adjust along the way.
Interviewer: What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and how do you celebrate it in your work and community?
Dee: International Women’s Day is a day to reflect, celebrate, and honour the women who paved the way and continue to inspire change. Because there’s still work to be done, especially in supporting BIPOC, trans, and gender-diverse folks in having equal opportunities.
It’s also a reminder of the power of community and how we can uplift each other. On this day, I think about how we can inspire each other, both personally and professionally. Here’s to all the amazing women out there doing incredible things!
Dee Larosa is the creative director and designer behind Wildly Supply Co.
