Founders

Steph Osberg

Hi, I am Steph Obserg. My journey to creating VendJoi began at a place that feels like home—the local farmers’ market. I’ve worked in almost every role, from setting up stalls and managing logistics to serving as a board member and chairperson. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the challenges vendors face, as well as the incredible determination and passion they bring to their work.

As I became more involved, I noticed how many vendors struggled with issues beyond their control—affording supplies, navigating market rules, or finding transportation to sell their goods. These challenges were even harder for small-scale vendors in rural Nova Scotia. Despite having a strong network and resources, I often found myself wondering how to help in a way that was sustainable and effective.

That’s when I met Xin Yao. Xin’s international business experience and shared commitment to supporting small vendors sparked an exciting collaboration. Our conversations kept coming back to one idea: creating a supportive ecosystem that helps vendors not only survive but thrive. We realized that by working together, we could tackle these issues on a larger scale.

This is how VendJoi was born.

VendJoi is more than a business platform. It’s a way to connect vendors, markets, and communities while offering tools to make their work easier. By sharing resources, simplifying processes, and encouraging collaboration, VendJoi aims to create real opportunities for small businesses to grow and succeed.

Xin Yao

As a former vendor at Nova Scotia’s Seaport Market and Brewery Market, I had the privilege of becoming part of a vibrant community. This experience introduced me to many talented, dedicated small business owners and gave me a firsthand look at the challenges of starting a business from scratch. For many, limited purchasing power and bargaining capacity made this journey even harder. Each story I heard touched me deeply, and I sincerely wished for every one of these vendors to succeed and shine in their unique fields.

It was around this time that I met Stephanie, whose deep understanding of this ecosystem impressed me profoundly. Her expertise and passion strengthened my belief that, together, we could provide these business owners with more practical support. With our combined insights and experience, we envisioned VendJoi as a platform to deliver essential business supplies while also empowering vendors through shared information, operational toolkits, and community support, allowing them to focus more on their businesses.

We believe that no one should have to go it alone on their entrepreneurial journey, especially small businesses just getting started. VendJoi is dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative ecosystem where vendors not only gain resources and information but also grow alongside each other. We want VendJoi to be their trusted partner, helping them thrive and shine in their fields as they flourish in the marketplace.