The world needs more Indigenous entrepreneurs —

The creator behind Kokom Scrunchies, Mya Beaudry is a talented 11 year old Algonquin from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Since starting Kokom Scrunchies in the fall of 2019, Mya has always ensured that all Kokom Scrunchies are handmade with love in Canada.

Mya names each of the original Kokom Scrunchies after Indigenous role models in her life. She hopes to also inspire others in her journey. What started off as an idea, has taken Mya on path of bringing Kokom Scrunchies to everyone, young and old.

https://kokomscrunchies.ca/

Maimoa Creative is a design studio run by Aroha Korowai, based in Tauranga that is passionate about promoting the Māori language and culture through unique designs, products and resources. Our aim is to help normalise the use of te reo Māori in everyday life.

https://maimoa.nz/

Modeste (Monday) Zankpe learned to embrace a new way of being because of the pandemic and the sudden onset of an autoimmune disorder. In 2021, she founded her jewelry line Monday May Jewelry as a hobby to stay on top of her mental health. Her striking earring designs quickly became a hit. Monday’s Afro-Indigenous jewelry brand creates heirloom pieces for collectors excited to incorporate rich culture with sustainable slow fashion. She is forever inspired by both of her Indigenous cultures - the Ewe and Secwépemc People.

Monday's journey into entrepreneurship started in 2013. She has a passion for studying and teaching low-overhead, low-barrier entrepreneurship, as it directly contributes to the sovereignty and liberation of marginalized communities.

https://mondaymayjewelry.com/

Justin Louis is the Creative Director and Founder of SECTION 35. He is a member of the Samson Cree Nation and was born and raised in Nipisihkopahk (Samson) on Treaty 6 Territory.

Justin is a fashion designer, graphic designer and photographer. His work blends the past with the present and finds inspiration in the juxtaposition between these elements. He launched SECTION 35 in 2016 with the intention to use art and fashion to tell his peoples' stories.

https://www.sectionthirtyfive.com/

The name – Uasau – comes from the English word “wash,” as pronounced by Baffin Island Inuit who met whalers hundreds of years ago. Fire and water – tools of cleaning and healing that balance each other.

Uasau Soap is a family owned business run by a husband and wife Bernice Clarke in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

https://uasausoap.com/

The name Vaoala Vanilla signifies the name of the village that is home to the farm and the meaning of the Samoan word 'Vaoala' (Vow-ah-lah) which embodies the philosophy behind the product. 'Vao' in the Samoan language means 'wooded or forest/tree area' and 'ala' means to 'awaken' or 'enlighten'.  And we interpret this as Vaoala Vanilla has awoken founder Shelley Burich's passion and awareness of working in harmony with nature.

https://vaoalavanilla.com/