Union Station moves fast. Millions of commuters rush through its halls every year, grabbing coffee, catching trains, barely looking up. But behind the counters of your favourite spots are women who’ve built something worth pausing for.
This International Women’s Day, we’re putting five of them in the spotlight. They represent something bigger—an ode to every woman who keeps Union Station running, one interaction at a time.
Here are their stories:
Lena’s Florals – Union Market
“Never give up.” – Lena, Owner
Tell us about your brand.
“We’re Lena’s Floral Designs, fresh flowers sourced from fair-trade farms abroad and local Ontario growers. What makes us unique is our dedication to creative expression. Every arrangement honors our artistic vision while making our customers happy.”
How did you get here?
“My love for flowers started in childhood watching my uncle arrange blooms he’d bring home from work. But creativity wasn’t always encouraged, so I studied business instead. Eventually, I realized I could have both. Now I brighten commuters’ days the way my uncle once brightened mine.”
Biggest lesson from Union Station?
“Transitioning from a garage startup to retail during a pandemic was tough. Add construction delays and repair challenges. But careful planning, good communication, and perseverance got us through.”
Advice for the next generation?
“Never give up. I started in my garage. Now I’m here at Canada’s busiest train station.”
Go-to item?
“Anything with ranunculus—they’re my favourite.”
Manotas
“Love what you do. And get a good accountant.” – Nancy, Owner
Tell us about your brand.
“Manotas means ‘Longevity rooted in tradition.’ We offer Latin functional foods—arepas with organic corn and sheep milk cheese, unique guacamole, nutrient-dense salads. All delicious, all pro-longevity.”
How did you get here?
“I’m Colombian, studied Psychology at York, but my love for research led me to the kitchen. I opened my kitchen-lab in 2008, my first store at St. Lawrence Market in 2009. Union Station came later. My love for food is my gift to the world.”
Biggest lesson from Union Station?
“Speed matters. Commuters need food fast, so I adapted without sacrificing quality. It’s a different rhythm here.”
Advice for the next generation?
“Be resilient. Love what you do. Never give up. And seriously—get a good accounting system.”
Go-to order?
“My own plantains and arepas with all the veggie toppings, plus dark hot chocolate or Mexican Cafe de Olla. I’m biased, but it’s good.”
Laser Clinics Canada – Union
“Less is more—in injectables and in life.” – Freda, Aesthetic Nurse
Tell us about your brand.
“We’re medically backed skincare with trained Medical Aestheticians and Nurse Injectors. Laser hair removal, Hydrafacials, Microneedling, cosmetic injectables—all with a focus on safety and natural results. We help people feel confident in their own skin.”
How did you get here?
“I’ve been a registered nurse for four years, still practicing in neurosurgery and trauma. I moved into cosmetic nursing three years ago—I love blending science and artistry. Laser Clinics offered the safety standards and growth I was looking for.”
Biggest lesson from Union Station?
“Adaptability and connection. Every day brings different clients with different goals. I’ve learned how important it is to truly listen and tailor each experience.”
Advice for the next generation?
“Confidence isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what feels right for you. Choose providers who prioritize safety over trends. Less is truly more.”
Go-to treatment?
“Microneedling for collagen, Skin Boosters for that glow. Together, they’re a powerful combo.”
#DESI
“Don’t let fear convince you something isn’t possible.” – Bina, Co-Owner
Tell us about your brand.
“We’re an Indo-Canadian grocer and restaurant—traditional Indian favourites alongside fusion like chicken tikka wraps and paneer tikka pizzas. Toronto is where cultures meet, and our menu reflects that. For some, it’s a quick meal. For others, the smell of spices feels like home.”
How did you get here?
“I was born in India and arrived in Canada at 19 barely speaking English. I always imagined I’d be a housewife—until I saw women here building careers. I worked minimum wage retail jobs while studying accounting, then spent years in a 9-to-5 raising two daughters. Eventually, my husband and I took a leap of faith. Now I run a business in one of Canada’s busiest landmarks. The girl who couldn’t speak English? Yeah, she made it.”
Biggest lesson from Union Station?
“Resilience. Long hours, unexpected problems, moments of doubt—showing up consistently speaks louder than anything.”
Advice for the next generation?
“Your starting point doesn’t define your future. Believe in yourself before anyone else does. Sometimes that’s the most powerful thing you can do.”
Go-to order?
“Hot chai and a samosa from my own shop. Reminds me of where I began.”
Cinnaholic
“Don’t discount your non-linear background.” – Vikasni, Franchise Co-Owner
Tell us about your brand.
“Gourmet, fully customizable cinnamon rolls—100% vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free. But the heartbeat is radical inclusivity. My son has an egg intolerance. Watching him sit dessert-less at every gathering was heartbreaking. I wanted a place where no one feels left out.”
How did you get here?
“Engineering degree. Master’s in business. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur but lacked the ‘why.’ Then my son’s diagnosis gave it to me. I realized my problem-solving skills were exactly what I needed to build a solution for families like mine. My husband carried me through the hard days. My parents, my sister, even my kids—this business is a family milestone.”
Biggest lesson from Union Station?
“In chaos, you need a rooted foundation. Serving commuters sprinting for trains while preserving humanity within a 45-second transaction takes a team that genuinely cares. Mine does.”
Advice for the next generation?
“Your winding path is an asset. Anchor your business to a deeply personal ‘why’—it’ll fuel you on hard days. And don’t go it alone. Ask for help. Lean on your people.”
Go-to order?
“A warm cinnamon roll from my counter, plus bubble tea from The Alley. Perfect little break amidst the chaos.”
To Every Woman at Union Station
We talked to five. But they represent hundreds.
The ones who arrive before sunrise. Who stay late. Who serve with a smile during the evening rush. The female employees, managers, and dreamers behind every counter in this city within a city.
This International Women’s Day, here’s to you.
