Tech 4 Youth Entrepreneur Spotlight
Isabella “Bella” McBain-Nepton, a 2026 Tech 4 Youth Grant recipient, Owner of Bella McBain Creations, is turning her passion for beadwork into a growing Indigenous-owned business. Bella creates handmade brick-stitch earrings inspired by Mi’kmaq culture and community, sharing her work at powwows, conferences, and events while also passing on beading skills to Indigenous youth.
Over the past few years, Bella McBain Creations has grown beyond a hobby. Through custom orders, community events, and social media, Bella has built a name for herself within the Indigenous arts community and continues to connect with new customers who appreciate the detail and craftsmanship behind her work. Alongside creating and selling her beadwork, Bella teaches youth beading skills, creating opportunities to share her knowledge and encourage other young people to explore their own creativity.
Bella is also building her experience beyond her own business as Social Media Manager for Ugpi’ganjig Trading Post, another Indigenous-owned business. Through this role, she is developing skills in digital marketing, content creation, and storytelling that complement her experience as a young entrepreneur.
Thanks to the Tech 4 Youth Grant and support from Best Buy Canada, new camera and lighting equipment will help Bella professionally showcase her beadwork, custom orders, and experiences at community events. With much of her business growth happening through social media and in-person events, stronger photography and video will allow her to better capture the detail of her work, strengthen her online presence, and introduce Bella McBain Creations to customers beyond the communities and events she attends.
Looking ahead, Bella plans to create more consistent digital content, expand her customer base, grow sales at powwows, markets, and online, and develop a professional portfolio showcasing her work. She also plans to bring what she learns back to her role with Ugpi’ganjig Trading Post, using her growing digital marketing skills to support another Indigenous-owned business.
As Bella McBain Creations continues to grow, Bella is building a path that brings together creativity, entrepreneurship, and sharing knowledge with others. Through her beadwork, youth teachings, and digital storytelling, she is creating new opportunities to share Indigenous art and culture while continuing to grow as a young entrepreneur.
Follow Bella McBain Creations on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Tech 4 Youth Program here.