Hailing from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh heritage, Raphaëlle Langevin is the passionate force behind Matsheshu Créations, a brand that offers a unique blend of clothing and accessories infused with Indigenous designs. As a 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipient, Raphaëlle’s commitment to blending tradition with fashion is gaining widespread recognition.

Raphaëll’s business, Matsheshu Créations, offers a wide variety of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. “Our accessories feature exclusive prints that I design myself, taking inspiration from traditional symbols and natural elements.” Additionally, the brand showcases hand-made jewelry crafted by Indigenous artisans, celebrating authenticity and craftsmanship.

Raphaëlle got her entrepreneurial start in 2021 when she was on maternity leave and took a chance on the launch of Matsheshu Creations. “I had been brainstorming business ideas for a couple of years and found the name during summer 2020. Matsheshu means fox in Nehlueun. It is an animal that is very meaningful to me.” 

Raphaëlle’s passion for her business stems from its ability to provide a platform for creation, education, and sharing. Through Matsheshu Créations, she uplifts individuals, opens doors of opportunity, and supports her family, all while pursuing what she deeply cherishes.

When asked about her take on Indigenous design and fashion, Raphaëlle responded, “[Indigenous fashion] is a way to show that we are still here and that we are proud of who we are.” Raphaëlle also believes that fashion is a tool that can be used to share culture and facilitate reconciliation by building those bridges. 

Raphaëlle cherishes the connection between her creations and her customers. She f loves when someone resonates with her designs, “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone fall in love with a skirt, a pair of earrings, a bag…I feel very grateful to be able to witness many of those magical moments.”

Looking ahead, Raphaëlle’s aspirations for Matsheshu Créations are both grand and grounded. “I envision Matsheshu Créations as a renowned brand across Turtle Island, built on a model that champions small crafters while offering a vast array of products. I hope to be able to create as many jobs as possible for Indigenous people. I want to go big, all the while staying true to our community’s values.”

Reflecting on the honor of receiving a 2023 Aritzia Indigenous Fashion Grant, Raphaëlle expressed her gratitude. “As a Mom and an entrepreneur trying to balance a fast growing business and two children under three, this recognition felt like a pat on the back encouraging me to continue giving my best.”

For Indigenous youth considering a journey into fashion, Raphaëlle encourages them to be proud of who they are, “Fashion is such a great way to create, connect and make a living. Our communities are full of talented creators. Be proud of that heritage and show it to the world!”

To watch Raphaëlle’s winning pitch in the Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finals, click here. To read more about the 2023 Aritzia Fashion Grant Recipients, click here. To shop Matsheshu Créations, click here. 

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Raphaëlle Langevin is the Pekuakamiulnuatsh owner of Matsheshu Creations, a business operating in Mashteuiatsh, Québec, that marries tradition with innovation, Raphaëlle’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a passion for design and a deep sense of community.

“I was brainstorming about entrepreneurial projects when I first found out the name ‘matsheshu’. Matsheshu means fox in Nehlueun,” Raphaëlle shared. This name, resonant with personal meaning, became the cornerstone of a venture.

Matsheshu Creations is is dedicated to Indigenous craftsmanship. “I design my own prints for fabrics taking inspiration from cultural symbols, traditional patterns, and natural elements,” Langevin says. The brand offers a comprehensive line: from jewelry to apparel, colouring books, and greeting cards. “What makes my business stand out is my business model. We have a wide variety of products for all tastes and budgets,” she explains. At its heart, Matsheshu is a family and community business, a collaboration between independent crafters, seasonal employees, and Raphaëlle’s own family.

In a significant stride forward, Raphaëlle has plans to launch Matsheshu‘s first storefront in Mashteuiatsh. “This will be the turning point of our business, as it will allow us to have our first store and to push our online sales further,” she expressed, revealing a vision to expand across Canada through online sales, new retail locations, and appearances at powwows.

“The most challenging part has been to find balance,” Raphaëlle admits. Her recollection of burning out in 2022, followed by the joy of discovering she was expecting her second child, is poignant. Yet, her children are her anchors, keeping her grounded and motivated. “They are the most precious thing and my biggest source of motivation,” she says with palpable affection.

Two years after her first pitch at Pow Wow Pitch, Raphaëlle is back, representing a business that’s matured and ready for greater success. She emphasizes the value of Pow Wow Pitch not just in terms of potential financial rewards but also for the opportunities it presents for networking and learning. Her experience with mentors Stephanie Ying from Mastercard and Crystal Hunt from Shopify has been transformative. “Crystal made me recognize strengths I did not realize I had, which really brought my pitch to the next level,” she gratefully shares.

Through Matsheshu Creations, she seeks to bolster community pride. “I am so proud to make a bridge between talented crafters and caring customers,” she says. Her mantra? Building her business as she builds her family. 

For budding entrepreneurs, Raphaëlle’s advice is straightforward yet profound. “Surround yourself. There are so many people out there who can help you and inspire you. Connect with them. Keep an open mind. Believe in yourself and work hard.”

In wrapping up, Raphaëlle’s gratitude towards the Pow Wow Pitch community is evident. “Thank you for creating this amazing community,” she concludes, a gentle reminder of the strength and power in unity and shared dreams.

Register to watch Raphaël pitch at the Fashion Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 15, 2023, at 7 PM ET and vote for Matsheshu Creations to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#55) before September 17, 2023.

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