Taking a Canadian small business global is no small feat, but for Tia & George of Hemlock & Oak, winners of this year’s DHL Grow Your Global contest, it’s an exciting new chapter. With $20,000 of business coaching and international shipping support, Hemlock & Oak is bringing their eco-friendly planners and stationery from Canada to customers overseas.
Burnout to Breakthrough
Founder Tia Masic’s journey began in the gaming industry, where long hours and relentless hustle led to burnout: “I ended up having to leave a career I’d spent years building,” she shared. During her recovery, Tia redefined productivity - integrating wellness techniques into her daily routine. The result was a planner that blends habit tracking and self-care with proven productivity tools.
When a larger cultural conversation around hustle culture became more widespread during the pandemic, Tia realized her vision resonated deeply. “When we listened to our community and launched a Kickstarter, we saw how much people craved healthier approaches to planning and daily life,” Tia explained. Their customer-first mindset and emphasis on feedback helped turn a personal project into a thriving business.
Eco-Friendly, Community-Focused
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Hemlock & Oak’s mission. Their planners are shipped plastic-free and packaged entirely in recyclable materials, a choice that resonates with their growing community. “In many parts of the world, it’s still difficult for people to access truly eco-friendly options,” Tia noted. “With DHL’s help, we can efficiently bring our sustainable products to customers in new regions who are craving these alternatives.”
With DHL’s global network, Hemlock & Oak is making it easier for people everywhere to choose responsible stationery and connect with a worldwide movement toward conscious planning. “Sustainability isn’t just about how we package our planners - it’s woven into every decision; from the materials we source to the way we engage with our community. As we expand internationally, our green focus only gets stronger,” George emphasized. Hemlock & Oak’s approach aims to start a new standard for stationery.
Breaking Down Global Barriers
Expanding into new markets is daunting, especially when it comes to the challenges of international shipping. “Shipping costs have been our biggest hurdle,” George said. “With books, shipping can be almost half the product price, which makes it tough to compete globally. Support from DHL lets us offer lower shipping costs to key markets like the UK and Australia.”
As a result, Hemlock & Oak has already seen significant orders come in from these new regions, with much more expected during the busy Q4 season. The access to affordable, reliable shipping is giving them the confidence to test marketing campaigns and grow their international audience.
Advice for Canadian SMEs Going Global
Going through this process of winning DHL’s Grow Your Global contest has brought about new experiences for Tia and George that they’re happy to share with Canadian small businesses, looking to grow globally:
1. Seek Out Support and Stay Curious
Mentorship and business coaching can offer fresh perspectives and help you spot opportunities you might miss on your own. As Tia shared, the business coaching stipend from DHL’s Grow Your Global “opened our eyes to ways we can connect with new customers and experiment with new platforms that hadn’t been part of our growth strategy.”
2. Understand the Rules, Regulations Matter
Navigating tariffs, customs, and regulations in new markets can be complex, but it’s essential for smooth expansion. Tia emphasized, “George has been incredibly diligent about compliance in every market,” highlighting the vital role of attention to detail in global growth.
3. Build Strong Systems and Be Thorough
Establishing reliable systems prepares your business to handle everything from logistics to legal requirements. George’s advice: “Prepare thoroughly but also stay open to surprises.”
4. Test, Learn, and Stay Flexible
International expansion is a journey of ongoing learning. What works at home may not work abroad. “Don’t be afraid to try new markets,” Tia recommends, “sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places.”
5. Nurture Your Community and Celebrate Wins
Grow real connections with your global customers and recognize the partners who are along for your journey. “We’re incredibly grateful to DHL. This support makes it possible for small businesses like ours to dream bigger and reach people all over the world,” Tia says.
The Next Chapter Starts Now
Hemlock & Oak’s story - with its focus on wellness, sustainability, and community - reflects the spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship. Thanks to DHL’s Grow Your Global contest, their vision is reaching new audiences, new regions, and new heights.
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