Meet Four of our 2022 Entrepreneurs

Some exceptional women are starting their own businesses and others who have already achieved a lot. These women are Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders, and supporters committed to helping their communities' underserved members. They also share their distinct culture and innovative solutions with the broader market. Their skills and dedication enhance their economic well-being and that of their families, communities, and nations Be sure to watch out for them - they will make a big impact in the future. Meet…

Denise Anne, an Anishnaabe citizen, honours her Ancestors on Manitoulin Island, connecting to Ketegaunseebee Garden River First Nation in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Mother of three adult children, Nokomis grandmother to four grandchildren who are learning Indigenous ways of being, knowing, selfsufficiency, and contributing to Canada’s society. Located in Ottawa, Denise Anne’s business provides Advisory Services to Law Firms, Justice, Stakeholders and other Professionals. She operates under the brand name of Boissoneau Indigenous Justice Advisory. http://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-anne-boissoneau/

Blaine is a proud Winnipeg native and a devoted mother of five. She's an ambitious entrepreneur who runs her own cleaning business, Blaine’s Custom Services Inc. With over 40 families already relying on her services, Blaine aims to expand her business into a full-service cleaning corporation. In the future, she hopes to develop a line of cleaning products for retail stores across Canada. For now, though, she remains dedicated to providing top-notch cleaning services to her customers. Her business philosophy is simple: always serve your customers well and keep a positive attitude. https://www.blaynesservices.com

Teio, Teiosakentison, which translates to “Shaking Reeds.” Her last name is Elijah. Back in 2014, she founded and launched a sewing and beading business called Shaking Reeds Designs. She created custom-made Iroquois-style clothing and accessories for men, women and children. She is from the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne, a Wolf clan member. Her business now employs her full-time. She is a mother of three children. oe aspires for her business, “Shaking Reeds Designs,” to leave a unique and impressionable mark in the world of art by promoting cultural pride through her designs. As she focuses on design, she aims to mentor young Indigenous girls looking to learn the unique characteristics of the “Shaking Reeds Designs application.” mailto:shakingreeddesigns@hotmail.com

Amanda hails from Bunibonibee Cree Nation, also known as Oxford House, MB, and she's the oldest of twelve siblings. She's grateful for her tight-knit family and thanks her parents and grandparents for keeping their unique traditions and language alive in their household. As an entrepreneur, Amanda creates various items such as earrings, moccasins, mitts, bags, and jingle dresses. However, her real passion is designing ribbon skirts and shirts, which she's been doing for the past four years. Her artwork is heavily influenced by her First Nation's healing process, which she seamlessly blends with her creative practice. Amanda's grandmother was her inspiration, and she followed in her footsteps by cutting her ribbon from fabric and matching each skirt's needs with store-bought stripes. Amanda's goal is to continue producing skirts and other pieces while also using her artwork to deliver healing workshops. These workshops will allow mothers and children to learn the sacred teachings passed down from their grandmothers about creating ribbon skirts. Contact Amanda at http://www.facebook.com/amandagrieves

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