Nancy Martin receives the CCTSA Businesswoman Award | Rustic-Tac

This weekend, at the Gala of the Adéloise Night, I had the immense surprise — and above all great pride — to receive the Women in Business Award – Johanne Dubé Prize, presented by the Sainte-Adèle Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

A memorable moment. Touching too.
But above all… a moment that makes you reflect.

Because not so long ago, I would never have defined myself as an entrepreneur.

And yet.

Life sometimes takes us exactly where we need to be, even when it wasn’t the plan.

A journey that doesn’t follow a straight line

My entry into the business world happened “late,” almost without me realizing it. There was no perfect plan, no clear path.

Just an opportunity, an intuition… and the desire to try.

With Rustic-Tac, I dove into a world I discovered day by day. A demanding, stimulating, sometimes unsettling world as well.

Learning. Building. Questioning yourself. Moving forward despite doubts.

And above all, growing.

Not just as an entrepreneur — but as a person.

Entrepreneurship is also about giving back

Over time, another dimension naturally emerged: giving back.

Whether through mentoring during The Big Day of Young Entrepreneurs, or during my talks at Augustin-Norbert-Morin High School, where I openly talk about success… and my failures.

Because behind every project, every business, every apparent success, there are trials, errors, detours.

And that’s often where everything is built.

An award that carries a meaningful name

This award has a special resonance because it bears the name of Johanne Dubé.

A woman deeply committed to our community. A woman of heart, involved in the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Bank, local events like Oktoberfest, and even with sports teams.

Leadership rooted in humanity, generosity, and action.

Receiving an award that bears her name makes this honor even more meaningful.

A deeply human adventure

If I look back at the journey with Rustic-Tac, what strikes me most is not just the company itself.

It’s the encounters.
The connections made.
The trust built over time.

It’s an adventure made of authenticity, honesty, and genuine human relationships.

And that’s probably what gives all this the most meaning.

A sincere thank you

An award like this is never experienced alone.

Thanks to Jocelyn Brunette, my business and life partner, who has been at the heart of this path from the start.

Thanks to everyone who crosses my path, trusts me, and contributes, near or far, to this journey.

And thanks to the Sainte-Adèle Chamber of Commerce and Tourism for this recognition.

Just keep going

This award is not an end in itself.

It's more of a reminder to keep doing things the right way.
Staying true to what really matters.

And moving forward, one step at a time.

Discover our world → https://rustictac.ca/

- Nancy Martin -