GeeWowZa started with homesickness. When Yen-Ni relocated from Taiwan to Canada, she found herself missing the food she grew up with, so she started making it herself. “I founded GeeWowZa in 2001 after relocating from Taiwan to Canada and yearning for the authentic tastes of my homeland,” she says. Sharing those homemade creations is what turned a longing into a business. “As I shared my homemade creations with loved ones, their enthusiastic response fuelled my ambition to create a business that would bring the rich customs and flavours of Taiwan to Canada. And so, with unwavering determination, I set out to make GeeWowZa a reality.”
What grew out of that determination is a business that carries more than one tradition. Yen-Ni is Taiwanese, but the GeeWowZa lineup gathers up flavours she has loved and learned along the way, from her homeland and beyond.
Three Products, Three Traditions
The flagship is GeeWowZa Golden Kimchi, which Yen-Ni describes as “our unique twist on a beloved soul food side dish found only in southern Taiwan’s gourmet food belt.” As for how it lands this far from home, she keeps it simple. “It translates into delicious creamy crunchy umami joy in the Kootenays too.”
Alongside it is Wowza Sauce, which comes from a different tradition entirely. “Wowza Sauce is based in Tibetan culinary tradition and is extremely versatile,” she says. “23 years ago my sister-in-law, Dawn Rodgers, lived at a Buddhist retreat centre and learned the secrets of the Wowza sauce, and it became a very beloved and shared family tradition.” Her description doubles as a sales pitch. “It is a little fiery, a little deep, a lot complex and ready to be your best friend in the kitchen.”
Rounding things out is Hibiscus Hawthorn Love Tea, which she calls “a vibrant, ruby-red blend that brings together the bright floral tang of hibiscus with the naturally sweet, fruity notes of hawthorn.” The inspiration, she says, came from “the comforting teas lovingly prepared by tropical grandmothers,” and the result is “both nourishing and uplifting.”
Resilience and Community
Running a small business in the Kootenays has come with its share of challenges, from rising living costs to limited access to certain ingredients and finding the right people to help GeeWowZa grow. “These obstacles have taught us to be resilient, creative, and adaptable,” Yen-Ni says. What keeps her going is the community around her. “Every returning customer, kind word, and local connection reminds us that our products and stories matter, and inspires us to keep moving forward.”
That sense of connection has only deepened since she became a farmers’ market vendor. “To me, community means supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and creating meaningful connections,” she says. “It also means caring for our environment and making choices that help sustain local farmers, producers, and future generations.” The farmers’ market brought that to life for her. “I’ve experienced firsthand how people come together to support local businesses, celebrate diversity, and encourage one another. It’s inspiring to be part of a network where everyone helps each other succeed.”
What’s Next
This season, Yen-Ni is focused on developing new, less labour-intensive products and finding more efficient ways to make her current lineup without losing what makes it hers. “I’m also excited to continue sharing GeeWowZa’s creativity through art,” she says. Beyond the food, she offers design and artwork services to community members and local businesses who need creative support. “Many customers have shown appreciation for GeeWowZa artwork, and I’m grateful for their encouragement.”
Find GeeWowZa at the City of Nelson Farmers’ Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where Yen-Ni offers the freshest selection and her newest products. GeeWowZa is also carried at several stores throughout the Kootenays, including the Kootenay Co-op, and travels to special events across the region throughout the year.