Yakama Nation business based in Polson, Montana, USA wins $1,000 and advances to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale
On September 4, 2026, Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that hosts Turtle Island’s premier Indigenous Business Pitch Competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs, presented in partnership with RBC and Mastercard, announced Tyler Leslie, Yakama Nation Founder of Tyler’s Styling Studio, a business based in Polson, Montana, USA as the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Creative Semi-Final Winner. Tyler has won $1,000 and is advancing to the Grand Finale for a chance to win $25,000 to grow her business.
More than 120 Indigenous entrepreneurs from across Turtle Island were selected as Semi-Finalists in this year’s Pow Wow Pitch. Each received training and mentorship to prepare for their semi-final pitch to the Judges, competing for the chance to advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale. Eight Creative Semi-Finalists had the opportunity to pitch their businesses in one-minute for their chance to win an industry prize and a spot in the finals.
Judges included Kenna Stanley, Senior Relationship Manager Indigenous Markets at RBC; Kaitlyn Hunder, Manager, B2B Marketing at Mastercard; Libier Gomez, Managing Director at Sklar Wilton; and Althea Wishloff, General Partner at Raven Indigenous Capital Partners.
“I was elated and honestly a little in awe. I was in a category with incredibly talented entrepreneurs, so seeing Tyler’s Styling Studio selected as the winner was truly a surprise,” said Tyler Leslie, Founder of Tyler’s Styling Studio. “I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember, and building this business has allowed me to turn that passion into something that helps other women feel confident, seen and celebrated. To have that recognized in this way is incredibly meaningful. I’m still doing my happy dance!”
Tyler Leslie, Founder of Tyler’s Styling Studio, is a wardrobe stylist and entrepreneur from Yakama Nation. Through Tyler’s Styling Studio, she offers personalized styling services designed to help clients feel more confident in what they wear and develop a style that works for their lifestyle. Her services include colour analysis, closet edits and organization, personal shopping, digital lookbooks, and virtual styling, allowing her to work with clients both locally and beyond Polson.
As she looks ahead, Tyler is continuing to invest in both her skills and the growth of Tyler’s Styling Studio. She is currently completing an online certification in Personal Styling and Color Analysis and plans to use her $1,000 Semi-Final prize, alongside her own savings, to purchase a dedicated business laptop, upgrade her website and strengthen its SEO. She also plans to make more of her services available virtually, allowing Tyler’s Styling Studio to reach clients beyond her local area.
“I would encourage other Indigenous entrepreneurs to start where you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Do your research, ask questions, listen to the people you’re serving and allow your business to evolve as you learn. Entrepreneurship is a long game, so believe in what you’re building and be proud of every step you accomplish” shared Tyler Leslie.
The judges commended Tyler for her engaging presentation and the confidence and personality she brought to her pitch. They were impressed by her clear understanding of her clients, the range of services she has developed, and her vision for growing Tyler’s Styling Studio while helping people feel more confident in their personal style.
“Congratulations to Tyler Leslie on advancing to the 2026 Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale,” said Naomi Sarazin, Executive Director of Pow Wow Pitch. “Through Tyler’s Styling Studio, Tyler is using her creativity and love of fashion into a business that helps people feel confident and comfortable expressing themselves. It’s inspiring to see her build something rooted in what she loves, and we can’t wait to see where her creativity takes her next.”
Alongside selecting a winner, the judges also acknowledged the Runner Up for the Creative industry category. Cole Sanderson, Founder of North Wrestle, was recognized for the vision and dedication behind his growing Canadian wrestling media platform. The judges appreciated the growth he has achieved with the platform and his commitment to creating more opportunities for athletes while bringing greater attention to wrestling in Canada.
“We’re committed to playing a role in paving a path forward for Indigenous entrepreneurs, exemplified by our support of Pow Wow Pitch,” said Brittanee Laverdure, Director, Truth and Reconciliation Office, RBC Origins. “Pow Wow Pitch offers a holistic support system to power the next generation of Indigenous innovators across Turtle Island, including this year’s participants and semi-finalists.”
“The creativity, determination, and ambition demonstrated by this year’s Pow Wow Pitch entrepreneurs have been truly inspiring,” said Jennifer M. Sloan, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Mastercard, Canada. “We’re proud to work alongside partners like Pow Wow Pitch by mentoring pitchers, representing Mastercard’s commitment to help remove barriers and open pathways to growth and economic opportunity. Congratulations to all the pitchers for sharing their business ideas, entrepreneurial journeys, and stories, and a special congratulations to Tyler Leslie for advancing to the next round.”
To watch Tyler Leslie’s winning pitch, click here. To watch the Creative Semi-Final episode, click here.
Tyler Leslie will now advance to the Pow Wow Pitch Grand Finale to pitch for the Grand Prize of $25,000, which broadcasts online on October 21, 2026. Register to watch the 2026 Grand Finale at powwowpitch.org/register.