Cora Kavyaktok, a proud Inuk entrepreneur originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, is redefining what business wear can look like through her brand, Inuk Gold. Now based in Vermilion, Alberta, Cora is the founder and creative force behind this emerging clothing line that offers professional business attire featuring subtle Inuit designs created by Inuit artists. More than fashion, Inuk Gold is a platform for cultural celebration and community reinvestment. The brand purchases artwork upfront, shares each artist’s story, and gives five percent of net profits directly to the artist, with another five percent donated to a nonprofit of their choice in their home community. Inuk Gold blends elegance with purpose, making space for Inuit identity in boardrooms across the country.

The inspiration for Inuk Gold came from Cora’s own experience navigating the corporate world. She often found herself wishing for clothing that reflected her heritage while still aligning with professional expectations. That absence sparked an idea. “There was nothing I could wear to work that represented my Inuit identity,” Cora shares. What started as a personal gap quickly evolved into a business rooted in pride, purpose, and cultural authenticity. Inuk Gold is not just clothing, it is a movement designed to empower artists, elevate Indigenous presence in professional spaces, and spark important conversations about representation.

Although still in its early stages, Inuk Gold has a clear and compelling mission: bring Inuit artistry into business wear and use fashion as a vehicle for change. The designs feature artwork by Inuit creators, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and giving back. “Our hope is that by showcasing these artists, we help amplify their work far beyond our clothing,” says Cora. Each piece is intentionally crafted to reflect Inuit values while providing customers with a tangible connection to the communities and creators behind the designs. For Cora, it is about honouring culture and creating opportunities with every stitch.

Cora’s journey to launching Inuk Gold officially began when she attended a Pow Wow Pitch information session. She had been dreaming about the brand for over a year but had not yet taken the leap into business. Learning that she did not need an established venture to participate gave her the confidence to start. “I am so thankful for this opportunity,” she reflects. “It pushed me to stop dreaming and start doing.” Since then, Inuk Gold has moved from concept to reality driven by community values and a vision for change.

As a Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalist, Cora was paired with Jasmine Chan from Aritzia as a mentor. That experience, she says, was one of the most valuable parts of the process. “Having access to someone with industry knowledge was incredible. Jasmine met with me twice, took time to understand my goals, and offered compassionate, thoughtful guidance.” Beyond the practical advice, Cora says the mentorship left her feeling supported and inspired. “Jasmine really cared about helping Indigenous communities. I felt heard and respected throughout the process, and I recommend every semi-finalist take full advantage of the mentorship opportunity.”

For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Cora offers heartfelt advice: “Starting a business can feel scary, and it is. But just do the work.” She encourages others to believe in their ideas, trust their instincts, and remember the deeper meaning behind their efforts. “You are more capable than you realize. Your idea matters, and so do you. When you invest in yourself and your community, we all win.” She adds, “Take the leap. Let your heart guide you. You are carrying forward the strength of generations before you. Be your ancestors’ wildest dreams, and know that every step you take opens doors for those who will follow.”

Watch Cora as she pitches Inuk Gold in the Fashion category airing on September 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Be your ancestors’ wildest dreams appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

T.Jay Henhawk, owner of Ever Deadly and proud member of Six Nations of the Grand River, is carving out space at the intersection of innovation and culture. Based in his home community in Ontario, T.Jay offers creative development services that span large-scale tech solutions and artistic design, including an Indigenous-infused wellness portal he built from the ground up. With each project, Ever Deadly integrates Indigenous culture and sensibilities into the digital world, bridging ancestral knowledge with modern tools. T.Jay’s mission is to Indigenize the future by empowering Indigenous youth and sparking pride through digital cultural expression.

As both a creative and a technologist, T.Jay has already achieved major milestones. His wellness portal blends technology and Indigenous knowledge in a way that centers wellness, representation, and community engagement. Beyond that, he has led and completed an array of creative projects, from visual artwork and website design to graphical illustrations and 3D printing, each reflecting deep cultural integrity and technical precision. Whether it is a digital platform or a single graphic element, every creation contributes to the broader goal of making Indigenous perspectives visible and valued in the tech and design world.

T.Jay applied to Pow Wow Pitch to amplify his voice and vision in a space where Indigenous innovation is celebrated. He saw the program as an opportunity to showcase his work, connect with like-minded creators, and gather valuable feedback. Participating in the 2025 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals has offered exposure, encouragement, and insight into how his work can evolve to serve even more people. For T.Jay, the most powerful part of the experience has been sharing space with other Indigenous tech and creative entrepreneurs who are also dreaming big and building change.

Mentorship has played a central role in T.Jay’s journey. He draws guidance from a diverse circle that includes community elders, cultural educators, and digital media professionals. Elders help root his work in cultural protocol, ensuring that each creative decision is made with respect and authenticity. Cultural educators help shape his narrative, offering insight into how stories and traditions can be told through modern mediums. On the technical side, mentors have provided support on everything from user experience to platform architecture. Together, these relationships ensure his work remains grounded, innovative, and community-first.

For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, T.Jay offers powerful advice: “Start with purpose. Let your culture, passion, and community guide your vision.” He emphasizes the importance of seeking out mentorship from both cultural and technical leaders, staying authentic, and being willing to adapt as you grow. “Our creativity has power,” he says. “Not just to build businesses, but to inspire cultural resurgence and new pathways for the next generation.” Above all, T.Jay urges others to believe in their capacity to innovate. “Your unique voice matters, especially in spaces where we’ve been underrepresented for too long.”

T.Jay continues to reflect on how creative freedom fuels his vision, and how passion and purpose walk hand in hand in his journey with Ever Deadly. He is building more than a brand, he’s building a movement to bring Indigenous worldviews into the digital landscape, one powerful project at a time.

Watch T.Jay pitch Ever Deadly in the Technology category airing on September 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Our creativity has power appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Alyssa Kaiswatum, a proud member of Piapot First Nation, is on a mission to reclaim, record, and protect Indigenous lineage through her organization, Indigenous Genealogy Society. Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Alyssa is building a movement rooted in identity, land, and legacy. The organization offers a space for Indigenous people to reconnect with their family trees, oral histories, traditional territories, and ancestral knowledge. “Finding our roots connects us to our ancestors, our identity, and homeland,” she says. For Alyssa, genealogy is not just about names and dates; it is a path to cultural survival, resistance, and a stronger future for the next seven generations.

Indigenous Genealogy Society provides an essential service at a time when much of Indigenous history is at risk of being lost. With elders passing on and mainstream recordkeeping systems failing to accurately reflect Indigenous experiences, Alyssa’s work is both timely and urgent. Her goal is to build a digital platform that centers Indigenous voices and traditional practices, offering tools for recording family history, treaty rights, oral stories, and cultural identity. “Mainstream platforms don’t do our people justice,” Alyssa says. “We need an Indigenous-led space to preserve who we are.” This work will also support researchers, legal advocates, and community leaders who are working to protect land, culture, and sovereignty.

Alyssa’s passion for genealogy began 15 years ago alongside her mother, casually exploring their family history. In the past three and a half years, however, her research has intensified, leading her to document nearly 300 relatives from her own First Nation. One of her proudest discoveries was learning about her great great grandfather, who created the Treaty Four Flag song, a powerful cultural song known across powwow country and Treaty 6 territory. “That connection gave me purpose,” Alyssa shares. “It confirmed the importance of preserving and sharing these stories.”

The idea of joining Pow Wow Pitch came to Alyssa when she stumbled across a link online. “It felt like the opportunity chose me,” she says. That moment marked a turning point. Pow Wow Pitch not only helped her build confidence in presenting herself as a full genealogist but also encouraged her to explore creative storytelling and social media to expand her reach. “It changed how I saw myself,” she says. “It helped me understand the power of innovation and visibility in our work.”

While many entrepreneurs find guidance in formal mentorship, Alyssa points to her ancestors and elders as her greatest influences. “They were the ones who first told me our stories and gave me the lineage that inspired who I am today,” she says. Though some of those voices are no longer here, their wisdom lives on in her work. Their values, teachings, and love for their people continue to guide her in preserving history for generations to come.

Alyssa offers heartfelt advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers: “You are going to feel uncomfortable, and you may not know anything at all when you start. But trust your heart. If it feels good, go with it. Cry when you need to, but never give up.” She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and doing your research. “If you don’t know, reach out. Help will always be there.”

Genealogy is far from easy. Alyssa often spends hours combing through documents, searching through fragmented records, and doing boots on the ground research. But she believes the work is worth it. Her long term vision includes creating a system that not only makes it easier for Indigenous people to access their lineage but also provides a platform to share oral histories and counter pretense-based claims on identity and land. “There is a strong and growing need for cultural reconnection,” she says, particularly as people seek to heal from the legacies of Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and ongoing disenfranchisement.

Watch Alyssa as she pitches Indigenous Genealogy Society in the Startup category airing on September 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Reclaiming our roots appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Jamie Wetrade Stevenson, a proud Tłı̨chǫ photographer from the Northwest Territories, is using the power of photography to spotlight stories that too often go unseen. Through her business, Jamie Stevenson Photography, Jamie offers full service editorial and commercial photography, managing everything from concept to final delivery. Her project management background ensures a smooth and professional experience for clients, while her lived cultural perspective brings authenticity and meaning to every frame. Jamie’s work is not just about images, it is about healing, representation, and connection.

Jamie started her photography business as a way to channel creativity into something purposeful. “I started my business to use creativity as a tool for healing, connection, and representation,” she explains. That mission has carried her forward ever since. Whether capturing the quiet strength of Indigenous matriarchs or working alongside Indigenous-led initiatives to shape visual narratives, Jamie’s work bridges the personal and the professional with intention and care. Her long term goal is bold and clear, to see her photography featured in major editorial outlets while continuing to support Indigenous organizations in defining and elevating their visual identities.

Since launching Jamie Stevenson Photography in 2018, Jamie has built a thriving business that now spans Turtle Island. Her images have been featured in magazines and national campaigns, and they have developed lasting partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations, artists, and changemakers across the country. What began as portraiture has evolved into comprehensive editorial and commercial services, with Jamie overseeing each project from start to finish. “Every step, from securing repeat clients to seeing my work published, reflects my ability to dream big, execute seamlessly, and create meaningful impact through storytelling.”

Jamie applied to Pow Wow Pitch because of what it represents, a celebration of Indigenous entrepreneurship grounded in connection, culture, and collective strength. “Seeing a community of business owners who understand the deeper meaning of entrepreneurship has always inspired me,” she shares. After years of following the initiative, Jamie felt ready to take the leap. “This past year, after restructuring my business and attending information sessions, I finally felt prepared.” Being part of Pow Wow Pitch has opened doors to mentorship, peer support, and the powerful reminder that every story matters, especially Indigenous ones.

As part of the program, Jamie was paired with Jake Carey, an RBC mentor for Pow Wow Pitch. “It was such a pleasure connecting with him,” Jamie says. “He brought thoughtful insight into refining my pitch, clarifying my value proposition, and strengthening my delivery.” Jake’s feedback came with a full set of detailed notes and the kind of encouragement that made Jamie feel truly supported. “His expertise helped me view my pitch through a more strategic lens, and his approachable nature made the process enjoyable and impactful. I am grateful for the time and care he put into supporting my journey.”

Jamie’s advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs is rooted in humility and courage. “Just start. You do not have to have it all figured out or be perfect.” She encourages others to build something that feels meaningful, something driven by passion and purpose. “Believe in yourself. Trust that you are capable of more than you think. Everyone starts somewhere, and the first step is often the hardest, but it is also the most important.”

Watch Jamie as she pitches Jamie Stevenson Photography in the Creative category airing on September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Believe in yourself appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Erin Belch, Founder of The Belching Barista and a proud member of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, is bringing people together over a shared love of coffee. Based in Waterford, Ontario, Erin and her husband Tim started their coffee journey seven years ago when they roasted beans in their basement as a gift for their wedding guests. What began as a small idea quickly transformed into online sales and now has become a full storefront with a Tasting Bar and larger roaster. Their vision is rooted in bringing good people and good coffee together, while supporting sustainable farming practices and using green energy through Bullfrog Power.

Being part of the Pow Wow Pitch journey marks an exciting new chapter for Erin.  The Belching Barista plans to grow their business by purchasing a coffee trailer so they can attend events, festivals and pow wows, bringing freshly roasted coffee directly to community members. They also plan to host introductory roasting workshops for nearby First Nations communities, providing hands-on education and encouraging others to explore the world of ethical, high-quality coffee. For Erin, it is about more than selling a product; it is about educating and encouraging others to connect through intentional, meaningful experiences.

One of Erin’s biggest accomplishments has been opening the storefront and welcoming twins in the same year. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship has not been easy, but Erin credits her faith and the strong partnership she shares with Tim for getting through the long days and sleepless nights. Their dedication has been rewarded with overwhelming community support and a loyal customer base that returns for both the flavour and the feeling behind each cup.

Erin believes Pow Wow Pitch plays a vital role in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and creating pathways for long-term success and reconciliation. Working with her mentor, Stephen Nairne from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, gave her the clarity and confidence to effectively tell her story in a way that reflects her purpose and values. “He was both encouraging and constructive,” Erin shares, “and I look forward to sharing a freshly roasted coffee with him as a thank you!”

For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Erin offers this advice: forging your own path comes with challenges, but staying true to your values and believing in your product makes every early morning worthwhile. Entrepreneurship, for her, is not only about building a business; it is about building community.

Watch Erin as she pitches her business in the Food & Drink category airing on September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Brewing up connection appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Glenda Biggs, a proud member of Peepeekisis First Nation, is changing the way women experience compression wear through her innovative business, Lippy Diva Leggings. Based in Lloydminster, Alberta, Glenda created a ready-to-wear compression legging specifically designed for women with Lipedema, a chronic condition affecting 11% of women worldwide. As a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, Glenda brought her medical expertise into the world of fashion and design. At its heart, Lippy Diva Leggings is about delivering mobility, comfort, and confidence to women who often struggle to find garments that truly fit their bodies and needs.

From the beginning, Glenda has taken bold steps as an entrepreneur. She designed the first-of-its-kind compression leggings and secured a patent for her unique and innovative design before launching production. She also developed a specialized measurement system that ensures a near-custom fit for every customer. These strategic moves not only protect her intellectual property but also make high-quality compression garments more accessible to women who need them. These milestones mark a major accomplishment in the world of medical fashion and lay a strong foundation for long-term impact and growth.

Glenda joined Pow Wow Pitch with confidence and a clear purpose. She believed in her business and her ability to succeed. Participating in the program has pushed her beyond her comfort zone in all the best ways. She describes the experience as empowering, with highlights including strong support from the Pow Wow Pitch team, practical pitch training, and access to a network of experienced mentors. The program has helped her grow both personally and professionally, while strengthening her voice as an Indigenous entrepreneur.

One of the most impactful parts of the journey has been the mentorship. Glenda worked closely with Erin Rennie-Aubuchon, a RBC mentor, who helped her refine her pitch, answered complex financial questions, and even took the time to learn about Lipedema to offer more meaningful support. She is deeply thankful for the encouragement, knowledge, and direction her mentor provided throughout the process.

For other Indigenous entrepreneurs, Glenda offers powerful advice. “Believe in yourself, your vision, and know your voice matters,” she says. She encourages others to take the leap, trust their ideas, and understand that every step, even the difficult ones, are opportunities for growth. “Our communities are filled with creativity, resilience, and innovation,” Glenda adds. “Your idea could be the one that changes lives. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and know that your effort can inspire others.”

Glenda expresses deep gratitude to Pow Wow Pitch for the opportunity to share her work and expand her reach. “This experience has challenged me to grow, helped me build confidence, and pushed me to keep learning,” she says. “I’m truly grateful to share my vision, connect with inspiring mentors, and be part of a community that uplifts Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

Watch Glenda as she pitches Lippy Diva Leggings in the Health and Wellness category airing on September 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Comfort in every step appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Christine Marie, a proud Métis Nation of Saskatchewan entrepreneur based in Saskatoon, SK, is building more than a brand. She is building a movement. As the founder and CEO of Awasis Boutique, Christine has created a space where culture, community, and commerce come together to celebrate Indigenous identity, revitalize lost languages, and inspire future generations. What began in 2018 as an Indigenous baby and kids apparel brand has since blossomed into a nationally recognized business that serves people of all ages including allies through culturally rich, stylish, and functional products.

Rooted in Christine’s lived experiences and driven by her passion for cultural education, Awasis Boutique uses apparel to tell stories and spark conversations. From onesies with Cree syllabics to Michif-language blankets and even calorie free bannock stuffies, every item is designed with the intention to honour Indigenous languages, reconnect families to culture, and create joy. Beyond retail, the brand offers custom orders, educational workshops, and collaborates with organizations to support reconciliation in meaningful and respectful ways.

Christine’s journey is one of resilience and heart. She remembers the support her family received during childhood including food hampers and hand me down clothes and how those acts of kindness stayed with her. That memory fuels Awasis Boutique’s deep commitment to giving back. “It was always going to be a pillar of the business,” she shares. That commitment has resulted in over $120,000 donated back into community initiatives and partnerships that uplift Indigenous peoples.

From pitching to the Dragons on Dragons’ Den in May 2025 to growing from her kitchen island to a brick and mortar store on one of Saskatoon’s most sought after streets, Christine has consistently pushed boundaries. She has also led over 40 collaborations with notable partners like The Jilly Box, First Nations Bank of Canada, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Nutrien among others. Through every collaboration, her team ensures that relationships are grounded in ethics, respect, and reconciliation in action.

Christine applied to Pow Wow Pitch after years of watching inspiring entrepreneur stories on social media. “It’s evident that strong relationships have been built and that people genuinely want to see Indigenous businesses flourish,” she explains. Becoming a Semi Finalist has been a highlight in her entrepreneurial journey. “It’s been such a fun experience and I’ve felt truly seen and supported from coast to coast.”

She was paired with mentor Zoe Crane from Aritzia, who left a lasting impression with her warm and supportive energy. “She was lovely, kind and encouraging,” Christine says.

When asked what advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs, Christine shares this wisdom: “Once you take the first step, the next ones won’t feel so scary. Give yourself grace. You won’t get it all right away and that’s okay.” She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in a world where business and social media never sleep. “Just because social media runs 24/7 doesn’t mean you should. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself. Your family, friends, and customers will thank you for it.”

Christine is proving that business can be bold, beautiful, and deeply rooted in culture and care. With Awasis Boutique, she is helping Indigenous people reclaim space, language, and pride, one creative product at a time.

Watch Christine as she pitches Awasis Boutique in the Consumer Products & Retail category airing on September 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Take the first step appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Caroline Fletcher, a proud Moose Cree First Nation entrepreneur based in Timmins, Ontario, is creating more than jewelry. She is building a path to healing and empowerment through her business, Kingdom Beads. Born from lived experience and a deep desire to support her community, Kingdom Beads exists to serve the spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing of Indigenous women and youth. 

Caroline sees Kingdom Beads as a bridge between creative expression and intergenerational healing. The jewelry sold today is the foundation for a much larger vision to provide therapeutic art workshops that support mental health, promote healing, and equip others with tools for resilience and self sufficiency. “We want to help Indigenous women and youth navigate trauma and crisis by connecting them to traditional Indigenous forms of art and expression,” Caroline shares. Whether through beadwork, carving, or community based dialogue, every piece contributes to culturally grounded healing.

Kingdom Beads began with a soft launch in 2024 and has already made meaningful connections through local vendor markets and a showcase during Creefest 2025. With every sale, Caroline continues to build momentum and grow her reach. A website is in development to make her work more accessible, and her vision is growing. Every item she creates carries stories of strength, survival, and identity. Although early in its journey, Kingdom Beads is already planting seeds of change and creating space for Indigenous voices to shine through art.

Caroline chose to apply to Pow Wow Pitch with a goal to learn more about entrepreneurship and connect with others on a similar path. “I wanted to learn from other Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs,” she explains. For Caroline, this experience was not just about business—it was about community, growth, and learning through shared stories and knowledge. The opportunity gave her the confidence to take the next steps in building something lasting.

As a Semi Finalist, Caroline was paired with Jane Song, an RBC mentor, who provided thoughtful feedback and suggestions that helped her refine her pitch and develop her business. “She supported me by helping me see areas I could improve,” Caroline reflects. The mentorship process was both practical and encouraging, and it helped her gain clarity on how to move forward in her entrepreneurial journey. She is grateful for the guidance and believes it helped her step into her role as both an artist and business owner.

Caroline offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Do not be afraid to start small. Just start. You will eventually find your footing.” Her journey is proof that beginnings do not have to be perfect to be powerful. With Kingdom Beads, she is showing how art can be a source of healing, income, and transformation. By investing in herself and her community, Caroline is helping others see their own strength and reminding them that their stories matter.Watch Caroline as she pitches Kingdom Beads in the Knowledge Services category airing on September 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Healing through art appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Nadia “Bogs” Bogayevsky, Founder and CEO of Good Native Plants and a proud member of Elsipogtog First Nation, is bringing native plants and their stories back to the land. Based in Balmoral, New Brunswick, her work combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with western ecology to create ethical, regionally appropriate seed collections that restore ecosystems, support pollinators, and revive cultural teachings. Alongside selling seeds, she leads workshops on native-plant-based wildlife conservation, helping people understand the deep ties between Mi’kmaq language, culture, and the plants that have shaped them for generations.

Nadia’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to preserve Mi’kmaq culture and language, which are closely tied to native flora. In just her first quarter of operations, she attended four market events, sold over 400 packets of seeds, and hosted two seedbomb-making workshops where participants learned about Indigenous plant relationships and hands-on conservation. For Nadia, these moments confirm that her mission is about healing both the land and the people.

Applying to Pow Wow Pitch was an intentional step to connect with a network that understands the cultural grounding behind her work. Nadia saw the platform as a way to grow a movement that restores biodiversity, revives traditional plant knowledge, and creates sustainable income for Indigenous seed sellers across Canada. The experience has been a highlight of her entrepreneurial journey, offering mentorship, feedback, and a supportive community of innovators who share her values.

Nadia credits her mentor, My Tran from RBC, with helping her refine her pitch for business-focused audiences. Through thoughtful questions and practical recommendations, My encouraged her to include measurable outcomes and industry language while staying true to her vision. The process gave Nadia confidence and clarity in sharing her story.

For aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Nadia offers this advice: “Build your business on the strengths and values of your community, not just market trends. Know your ‘why’ and let it guide you, especially when opportunities could pull you off course. Start small, test your ideas, and grow through relationships rather than quick wins. Seek out Indigenous-led networks and mentorship to stay grounded, supported, and culturally connected.”

For Nadia, entrepreneurship is an act of cultural restoration. “Every seed I sell is part of bringing our plant relatives home, healing the land, and reviving knowledge that was almost lost,” she reflects. Being part of Pow Wow Pitch has reminded her that she is part of a larger movement toward sovereignty, self-determination, and thriving communities for the next seven generations.
Watch Nadia as she pitches her business in the Sustainability category airing on September 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Click here to see all episodes: powwowpitch.org/episodes.

The post Grow through relationships appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.

Leanne Jones, Owner of Leanne Digital Design, and a proud member of Peguis First Nation, is making waves in the branding and web design world by combining artistry with authentic storytelling. Based in Winnipeg, her studio specializes in creating strategic, visually impactful websites and graphic designs that help businesses truly connect with their audiences. With over a decade of experience, Leanne’s approach goes beyond aesthetics. She builds brands that honour values and inspire trust, especially within Indigenous communities.

Leanne’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to support other Indigenous business owners in growing their ventures while holding true to their cultural roots. “I started my business to help entrepreneurs grow while honouring their values,” she explains. Her services range from custom WordPress and Shopify sites to SEO, logo design, and digital marketing assets. All of these are crafted with intention and purpose.

Looking to the future, Leanne has clear goals to expand her impact. She aims to scale her business by hiring more Indigenous talent and creating designs that not only drive growth but also strengthen communities. For her, success is not just about numbers; it is about fostering a creative space where Indigenous voices are amplified and celebrated through design.

Leanne also reflects fondly on her experience refining her pitch for Pow Wow Pitch, crediting her mentor Philip Crout from CIRA for invaluable guidance. “He met with me twice to go over my pitch. The first time he gave me advice on how to refine it, and the second time we reviewed it again. It was super helpful. He understood my industry, so we could relate.” That support, she says, made all the difference in building confidence and clarity in sharing her vision.

When asked what advice she has for aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Leanne encourages boldness and perseverance. “Just go for it! Make it exist first and make it perfect later. Our stories and perspectives are unique, and we offer something the world needs. We shouldn’t live small.” Her words remind us that authentic voices have the power to reshape industries and inspire future generations.

At the heart of Leanne’s work lies a deep connection to Indigenous storytelling traditions. “Design is my way of carrying forward the storytelling I grew up with. As Indigenous people, storytelling is how we connect, teach, and inspire,” she shares. “I see every logo, website, and brand as a modern way to share those stories and help others express who they are. My work is not just about making things look good. It’s about creating something meaningful that will carry our voices forward for years to come.”

Leanne Digital Design continues to be a beacon of creativity and cultural pride in the Indigenous business landscape, proving that design is far more than visuals. It is a powerful tool for connection, growth, and legacy.

Watch Leanne as she pitches her business in the Professional Services & Trades category airing on September 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET at powwowpitch.org/episodes. 

The post Our stories are unique appeared first on Pow Wow Pitch.