Faces of Fusion is more than a social event—it’s a celebration of progress and community leadership. Tomorrow, Feb. 6, 2026, Fusion Saint John hosts its annual spotlight on the individuals, organizations, and businesses contributing to a stronger Saint John region.
With five award categories, this event showcases nominees who truly stand out. Recognized through public nominations and selected by a jury of former Fusion board members, these leaders are helping shape the region’s next chapter.
The nominees in the Business & Entrepreneur Excellence category
presented by Envision Saint John
Vanessa Leblanc (VBYX The Fitness Studio)
Vanessa is the founder of VBYX The Fitness Studio, driven by a lifelong passion for fitness and a desire to inspire others. Her journey into wellness has always been about more than personal health—it’s about building a supportive community where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. As an entrepreneur and mom, she is passionate about setting a positive example by prioritizing balance, wellness, and leading by action. You’ll find her on the bikes, on the benches, or behind the desk, fully immersed in studio life.
Maggie Bryson & Loretta Landry (Jeremiah’s Deli & Charlotte Street Bakery)
Loretta Landry and Maggie Bryson met in 2011 where they worked together at Jeremiah’s Deli in the Saint John City Market. 8 years later, February of 2019, they established their own corporation, RoseLynn Foods Ltd.
Since then, they have continued to work side by side to grow their business within the community that they love. This led them to expand into the neighboring stall beside Jeremiah’s, opening the Charlotte Street bakery. Their love for the Market and the City as a whole, shows greatly in their dedication. They are working hard to achieve their goals and to carry on the Legacy.
James Mailman (KYC Sports)
James Mailman is the Founder and Director of KYC Sports Ltd., a Canadian performance sports-equipment company redefining accessibility in hockey through innovation, thoughtful design, and community-first values.
Founded in 2023 as KYC Hockey, the company began as a pro-stock distributor before evolving into a fully independent brand designing and manufacturing its own high-performance hockey sticks and equipment. Under James’ leadership, KYC Sports has developed proprietary technologies, expanded internationally, and earned recognition as one of Canada’s fastest-emerging hockey brands.
James leads all aspects of the business, including product development, brand strategy, operations, and global partnerships. His hands-on approach ensures that KYC products meet the performance demands of competitive athletes while remaining attainable for grassroots, youth, and recreational players. The brand’s philosophy challenges the industry norm that elite performance must come with elite pricing.
Beyond commercial growth, James has positioned KYC Sports as a community-driven organization, actively supporting youth hockey programs, university teams, and grassroots initiatives. His work reflects a broader commitment to equity in sport and to building a sustainable Canadian brand with international reach.
