Shawna McLeod (Fort Providence, NWT)
“My favorite part of the Program was being given the space and the opportunity to think with
an entrepreneurial mindset. I was able to ‘switch-off’ from my 9-5 job and really think about
myself, my goals, and my dreams of what I want to do next. It empowered me to be
surrounded by like-minded people, to think like a businessperson, and gave me access to
support and materials needed to operate a business. The program has been a positive thing for
me. It was great to have the cohort to fall back on for support and to ask questions about their
business journey. The Inspired staff were easy to work with, very supportive and have been
there for each participant in different ways. Overall, it was truly a life changing experience”
Location: Fort Providence, and living in Yellowknife, on Chief Drygeese Territory
Decho Dene and Metis descent, with family roots from Fort Providence and Fort Simpson.
Shawna McLeod is of Dene and Mètis heritage and is a member of the Deh Gáh Got’íé FirstNations. She has family roots from Fort Providence and Fort Simpson. Shawna is a mother,entrepreneur, artist, and student who is dedicated to learning more about her culture,connecting to the land, traditional art practices and business.
For Shawna, being an entrepreneur means taking a risk, believing in yourself, and workingtowards bringing an idea to life. She grew up with support from her family and believes it’simportant for entrepreneurs to be surrounded by supportive people to grow and succeed.
Shawna learned about Inspire NWT through word of mouth from friends. After visiting thewebsite, she realized that the program aligned with who she is, and what she wanted to do.Through her own business, From the Land Creations and Fireweed Supply Co that she co-ownswith friends, she knew that she had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and felt ready to step into anew world of growth, success and celebrating not only her business but who she is as an artist.
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