During Covid, supplies were hard to come by, so I decided to open my own online e-commerce bead supply store. Owning and operating it was an incredible experience—filled with creativity, friendship, and community—but it was also very time-consuming. I realized I needed a better work/life balance and to return to where my journey truly began: my love for beading.
I made the difficult but heartfelt decision to shift my focus back to my health, my family, and sharing my passion with others. The friends, clients, and connections I made during that time inspired me to bring everyone along for my next adventure. At that time, I wasn’t only sewing and beading unique creations, but I was also creating bead kits, hosting workshops, and sharing tutorials—passing on the traditions and skills I loved so deeply.
Helping others had always tugged at my heartstrings, and I missed that personal connection. Fast forward to today, and I’ve found my balance. That’s when the idea for Ugpi’ganjig Trading Post was born—a real, brick-and-mortar store right here in my home community of Eel River Bar First Nation.
Our Trading Post is more than a shop—it’s a place where Mi’kmaq culture is celebrated, where beadwork and traditional crafts are honored, and where local Indigenous artists have a platform to share their gifts. I’ve hired local Indigenous staff to help connect artists with the supplies they need, and we proudly showcase their work in our store and gift shop.
This is about more than selling—it’s about connection, culture, and community. It’s about keeping traditions alive, inspiring creativity, and supporting one another. You never know what the future holds, but one thing I know for sure: always follow your heart.
