Indigenous Artist's Entrepreneurial Spirit
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Spirit Works Studio located on Railway Street In North Vancouver, on Squamish Nation territory. I've known owners Shain and Suzy Jackson for many years and we've worked together on a number of projects.
Shain is a talented and well recognized Coast Salish Artist and Indigenous entrepreneur who creates stunning authentic indigenous products such as traditional bentwood boxes and wooden jewelry to larger works like carved doors, boardroom tables, retail units, plaques and various other works that can be enjoyed at an office, in retail locations and in the home.
With his charming wife, Suzy, by his side who ensures operations run smoothly and customer get top notch service, they are rising stars in building an Indigenous art brand that is loved by local consumer and commercial markets.
Shain and Suzy run their business with the triple bottom line in mind, "People, Planet and Profit", where community is at the heart of everything they do. The studio is located on Squamish Nation land and Shain is often found facilitating workshops teaching skills to Indigenous youth, and supports aspiring Indigenous artists by having them design and brand their own products that are marketed and sold through the company's supply chain.
Shain is also a "recovering lawyer" as he likes to say, who takes on social justice issues for Indigenous cases that believes in. He's been a two-time winner at the BC Indigenous Business Awards and continues to find ways to give back to the community.
Spirit Works is an excellent example of how Indigenous business is making a positive impact and Shain's dedication to moving Indigenous rights forward is nothing short of inspiring.
For more information, visit www.spiritworks.ca
