A Conversation with Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur
Harley Maytwayashing, a 2026 Tech 4 Youth Grant recipient, 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, and Founder and CEO of Anish Luxe, is building an Indigenous-owned streetwear brand that brings together fashion, culture, and community. A member of Long Plain First Nation, Harley created Anish Luxe with a vision of offering premium yet accessible apparel while collaborating with Indigenous artists, sharing Indigenous stories, and creating opportunities to give back to community.
Harley’s journey began with a desire to create something that reflected who he is, where he comes from, and what he believes Indigenous communities can achieve. Growing up in Long Plain First Nation, he saw the importance of culture, community, opportunity, and representation. That experience inspired the idea for Anish Luxe, a brand Harley envisions as more than clothing. His goal is to create a platform that celebrates Indigenous identity, creates opportunities for Indigenous artists, builds pride among Indigenous youth, and eventually reinvests a portion of sales back into Indigenous communities.
One of Harley’s proudest accomplishments has been taking his idea seriously and beginning to turn it into something real. He has developed product samples and prototypes, completed a Business Certificate with a 3.5 GPA, and continued his university studies in Indigenous Studies while building the foundation for Anish Luxe. “What makes me most proud is that Anish Luxe represents a much bigger vision for me,” Harley shares. “I want to build a successful business while using my platform to contribute to my community and inspire the next generation to believe that they can become entrepreneurs, leaders, artists, and changemakers.”
Looking ahead, Harley is preparing to launch Anish Luxe’s first apparel collection, establish an e-commerce website, grow the brand’s social media presence, and begin collaborating with Indigenous artists. Thanks to the Tech 4 Youth Grant and support from Best Buy Canada, he received technology to help move Anish Luxe from development toward launch. A laptop and tablet will support graphic design, website management, marketing, and business administration, while a camera, lighting equipment, and tripod will help Harley produce professional product photography and digital content. A label printer will also support shipping and order fulfillment as the business begins reaching customers. Together, these tools will help Harley build more of the creative and operational foundation of Anish Luxe himself.
For other Indigenous youth dreaming of starting something of their own, Harley encourages them to begin even if they do not have everything figured out. “Start with your idea, learn as much as possible, ask questions, and be willing to change your approach when you receive good advice,” Harley says. He also encourages young entrepreneurs to recognize the strength of their own backgrounds, experiences, and communities while learning the practical skills required to build a sustainable business.
Harley Maytwayashing’s story reflects a vision for entrepreneurship that extends beyond building a brand. As Anish Luxe continues to grow, Harley hopes to use fashion and storytelling to celebrate Indigenous identity, create opportunities for Indigenous artists, support community initiatives, and encourage other Indigenous youth to see what is possible through entrepreneurship.
Follow Anish Luxe on Instagram. Learn more about the Tech 4 Youth Program here.