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Whose Dream Will She Make Come True?
Find Out What's Familiar and What's Fresh
The Sugar Mama is the kind of reality series you know and love. Coupled with an abundance of fresh approaches that add entertainment and production value, the series will delight viewers and keep them wanting more.
With a multi-generational cast (aged 18 to 89) in a spectacular setting, the series is warm, joyful, authentic, funny, and infused with Indigenous values. Ultimately, The Sugar Mama series is a message of love, hope, and inspiration for anyone with a creative dream of their own.
Scroll down to find out what's familiar and what's fresh with The Sugar Mama's Contestants, Judges, Challenges, Mentors, and more.
What's Familiar
What's Fresh
Like other great Canadian reality competition series where we’ve seen everything from chefs to glass blowers to sandcastle builders compete to see who’s best, The Sugar Mama contestants are a true “cast of characters” all with the aim of winning the competition.
Our talented contestants (we call them ‘Creatives’) come from three creative fields (stage performers, musicians, visual artists). Viewers can root for their favourites among: • a makeup artist whose online videos have over 50 million views • a standup comic who got the golden buzzer on Canada’s Got Talent 2025 • a 2 Spirit winner of a Canadian Screen Award & contestant on CBC's Best in Miniature • an internationally renowned classical pianist who appeared on CBC’s Push series • a hilarious drag queen with multiple pageantry titles and lots of spice • a circus artist who swallows swords, eats fire, and contorts • a dancer with one of Canada’s top urban ballet companies • a gay country music singer • and more! Over half of Season 1’s cast are BIPOC and more than half are members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Contestants
Contestants
Judges
Challenges
Mentors
Production Value
Location
Prizes
Eliminations
The Sugar Mama
Our Sugar Mama is Therese 'Tag' Goulet, a member of the Otipemisiwak Metis Nation of Alberta and a real-life 'Matron of the Arts' who has provided funding for hundreds of young creatives including 100 indie filmmakers, visual artists, musicians, performers and more. From facing adversity after a divorce and having to access a food bank, she worked her way out of almost a half million dollars of debt to be able to give back to others. She quotes Métis martyr, Louis Riel, "My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back." She says, "After overcoming hardship, I absolutely love working with the next generations of Creatives who have helped me regain my spirit." Friends describe her as a living doll who, coincidentally, was born in 1959 and loves the colour pink.
Dr. Lolly
The show's host Dr. Lolly is a change agent with extensive business experience, over three decades of community leadership and is recognized as a notable Indigenous person in Canada. She delivered a 200-hour personal development program focused on “enabling individuals to create a passion for living life to the fullest, each and every day”. With graduate work in human development, Lolly walks alongside the Creatives through their journey. Her facilitation and gentle, wise interviewing elicit genuine emotional responses and touch them deeply when they come to the realization that, “You’ve always had the power, my Dear!” (Glinda, The Wizard of Oz).
Stage Performers
Paula Cobo Botello
(she/her)
Dancer
Born in Mexico City, Paula trained at Escuela de Ballet del Valle. At age 9, she auditioned for The National School of Classical and Contemporary Dance in Mexico City where she continued her studies. At 14, she received a scholarship and moved to Victoria, BC to further her education at Victoria Academy of Ballet. Upon graduating, Paula joined Ballet Edmonton. She choreographed and created “Gracia Plena” a Dance on Film project for Ballet Edmonton’s YEG in Motion digital initiative.
Sterling Scott
(he/him)
Comedian
Sterling has been a stand-up comedian for 16 years and performed multiple times overseas in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan for the military. He was the first Black Canadian to win the most prestigious comedy competition in America at “The San Francisco International Comedy Competition.” At the “Just for Laughs Festival,” he was one of ten people to receive a development deal from Kevin Hart to produce a show. He’s made multiple TV and festival appearances.
Lindsay Istace
(they/them)
Circus Artist
Lindsay Istace is a multi-disciplinary non-binary circus artist whose specialties include contortion, fire eating and sword swallowing. Lindsay is a versatile artist known for their creativity and charisma. They previously served as the Chief Executive Officer, Flexibility Coach, Artistic & Professional Development Program Director at an aerial and circus arts studio.
Francheska Dynamites
(she/her)
Drag
Francheska was the Pageant Queen in the Miss Philippines-Canada Queen Pride Dame of Progress in 2018. She is an award-winning drag artist having placed in the Miss Philippines-Canada Pride Queen and in Alberta’s Next Drag Superstar. In 2022, Telus Originals produced a documentary about Francis’ life entitled “Francheska: Prairie Queen”. When not in drag, he goes by the nickname Kiko.
Visual Artists
Lance Cardinal
(he/him)
Artist
Lance is a First Nations, 2-Spirit artist, entrepreneur and member of the Bigstone Cree Nation. He’s worked with many organizations (IKEA, Rugby Canada, Unbelts, Telus World of Science, Edmonton Public Library and Re/Max Field). He is the Indigenous consultant and designer for the Edmonton Oilers. He is a media personality, appearing on CTV Morning Live Edmonton, featuring segments from his kids show, “Indigenous Art Adventures.”
Von Bryan Francisco
(he/him)
Makeup Artist
Bryan enrolled in makeup school to learn the theory behind makeup artistry. He works with models, photographers and commercially. He creates content for social media, transforming himself into creatures like the Demogorgon and aliens (featured on NETFLIX social media), movie characters and avant-garde makeup looks. His Zodiac Sign Series trended worldwide. Val Garland from the UK TV Show GLOW UP affirmed him personally after winning one of her online competitions.
Contemporary Vice
(they/them)
Visual Artist
Vice is a non-binary artist specializing in mixed media and conceptual work. Self-taught, they believe passion comes from within and a degree doesn’t solely define artistic merit. They use expressionism to depict the human experience and address topics such as emotion, perception, sexuality and childhood. Displaying the world through a fifth dimensional lens, their art accentuates the imperfection of life while hinting that magic is real.
Skylar Eyre
(he/him)
Tattoo Artist
Skylar grew up with a tattoo artist father who began training him in drawing and tattooing at an early age. A graduate of the Alberta University of the Arts with honours, Skylar has displayed his work in galleries, pop-up spaces and music festivals. He maintains an active studio practice. He briefly worked in the film industry as a painter and sculptor (including The Last of Us). He’s returned to tattooing professionally to run his own business.
Musicians
Amanda Gendron
(she/her)
Musician
Amanda is an Indigenous singer-songwriter who has performed in many venues. She hopes to also become an actor. Amanda has been songwriting since the age of 15, written over 100 songs and writes every day. In 2017, Amanda won a competition through Disney’s Family Channel receiving a trip to London. She has been supported by radio stations and television channels including Shaw TV, APTN and Global News.
Riccardo Baldini
(he/him)
Musician
Riccardo has a Master’s degree in piano performance from the Italian conservatory G. Rossini and has performed on stage since a young age. Creativity in classical music is how he interprets music and communicates emotions. Riccardo has also applied his creativity to the development of “Resonate,” a technology to help disabled people press piano pedals without needing to use their feet (he was paralyzed from the chest down in 2019).
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Katelin Aragon
(she/her)
Singer-Songwriter
Katelin has been singing and performing since she was a little girl. She has performed for fundraisers, cultural events and busked in downtown Calgary. She started piano lessons at age 3 and has picked up the guitar, ukulele and trumpet since then. She has performed for many Filipino artists such as Regine Velasquez, Bamboo, Martin Nivera, Daryl Ong and is a verified artist on Spotify with a single called ‘Puppets’ on music platforms.
Robert Adam
(they/them)
Country Singer
Hailed for his angelic, inviting presence, Robert breaks barriers between generations. Born and raised in a small town, Robert calls Crossfield home. He is an eclectic human who happens to be the most gritty, pretty cowboy you’ve ever seen. Whether it’s rhinestoning his outfit, placing top 12 in Wild 95.3’s prestigious Project Wild competition or graduating honour roll with a heavy-duty mechanics degree, he is anything but one dimensional.
Trusted Advisors & Featured Guest
The Sugar Mama’s Trusted Advisors understand her underlying interests and are in the role to be in service to her. Like the cast members, they are successful creatives from younger generations. They are authentic and genuinely passionate with exceptional, targeted knowledge. The Sugar Mama trusts them implicitly
Tarek Nemr
Trusted Advisor
Tarek is the co-owner, director and curator at the Bluerock Gallery in Diamond Valley. He has extensive experience in retail, tourism and marketing. He is the chair of Diamond Valley Economic Development, a member of the Foothills Regional Partnership, and an active participant in The Most Beautiful Art Tour in Alberta. Tarek, an art dealer in Alberta, has also managed businesses internationally, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering global economic connections.
Andrew Jenkins
Trusted Advisor
Andrew is an award-winning actor and producer, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta and now living in Los Angeles. He trained at the Esper Studio in New York City, and has appeared on stage, as well as in numerous film and television roles from indie films to blockbuster movies. He has appeared in series screened on Netflix and Disney, among others, and has worked with Oscar winners and nominees. Andrew is also a Consulting Producer on The Sugar Mama.
Kylee Roman
Trusted Advisor
Kylee Roman is a media personality turned full-time content creator and event host with a focus on the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She has expertise in social media trends, brand growth and social media strategy. Kylee has worked with local and international brands. Her broadcasting experience includes being an on-air personality, host, correspondent and voice artist across various media.
Farrah Nuff
Guest Star
Farrah Nuff is a Calgary-based drag icon whose career spans nearly two decades. A dynamic performer, dancer, and choreographer, she has dazzled audiences in cities like LA, Edmonton, and Vancouver. She is known for her fierce performances, unmatched charisma, and commitment to the drag community. Farrah Nuff has skills in hair, makeup, and design, including collaborations with Drag Race talent. She continues to inspire with creativity, generosity, and passion for self-expression.