Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) has been appointed Marea Olafson, owner of Freba Pottery and Elemental Claycation, as the Rural Ambassador for Dafoe and surrounding areas for a second consecutive year. Olafson is one of seven ambassadors province-wide, all working to empower and connect women-led businesses in rural Saskatchewan.
“I am excited to be a Rural Ambassador again as I have seen the benefits of collaboration between women-led businesses throughout all of Saskatchewan,” said Olafson. “My goal for this year is to double that ‘staff room’ and connect with even more women-owned and -led businesses.”
WESK’s Rural Ambassador Program, funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), aims to close the resource gap faced by rural women entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, networking, and local outreach, ambassadors like Olafson provide vital connections to services and community support.
Having transitioned from a 25-year teaching career to full-time potter in 2021, Olafson brings not only creativity and craftsmanship but also deep-rooted community engagement. Her business journey began in 2013 when she moved back, purchased her family’s historic home, and launched a roadside honor-system pottery store along Highway 16 just east of Dafoe.
“I had three goals when I built it,” Olafson recalled. “That someone would stop and buy when I wasn’t there, that a semi would stop, and that a motorbike would stop. All three happened in the first year.”
Since then, her business has evolved into a rural tourism destination recognized by Sask Tourism. Her latest venture, Elemental Claycation, is a weekend pottery retreat where guests immerse themselves in the art and rhythm of ceramic creation.
“I wanted to create an experience where people could live the life of a potter for a weekend,” Olafson said. “The retreat takes place in my 1919 heritage house, and soon in a new studio inspired by a one-room schoolhouse that used to stand nearby. That schoolhouse faced the one where my Amma (grandmother) taught, so this feels like a full circle moment.”
Olafson's work is deeply influenced by her surroundings and personal history. Her retreat studio, currently under construction, reflects both a reverence for local heritage and a commitment to creating space for others.
“Why shouldn’t it feel like this history?” she asked. “It’s not just about pottery; it’s about place, memory, and making meaningful connections.”
In addition to her own entrepreneurial efforts, Olafson is passionate about fostering success in others. She regularly hosts WESK Connects events in nearby towns like Wynyard and Humboldt, creating informal networking opportunities for rural women business owners.
“Being a business owner in rural Saskatchewan can feel disconnected,” she said, using the nomenclature of a school teacher. “WESK gave me a ‘staff room’ of like-minded women. Now, I get to grow that room by connecting others to the same support that helped me.”
Olafson’s ambassadorship stems from firsthand experience with WESK’s support systems. She participated in WESK’s Propel program in 2022, which she credits with helping her understand her business and bring Elemental Claycation to life. “It gave me the resources, confidence, and clarity I needed to grow,” she said. “WESK doesn’t just offer advice—they build ecosystems.”
As an ambassador, Olafson sees herself as a conduit rather than a consultant.
“I’m not here to be anyone’s business advisor. I’m here to say, ‘Here’s WESK. Here’s how they helped me. Let me help you get connected.’”
With her roots firmly planted in Saskatchewan soil and her hands constantly shaping clay and community alike, Olafson is emblematic of the growing movement of rural women redefining entrepreneurship on their own terms.
“It’s women supporting women,” she said. “And it’s just so cool to be part of that.”
For more information about the WESK Rural Ambassador Program, visit wesk.ca.