CanadianSME Small Business Podcast

Building a Legacy of Inclusive Entrepreneurship with Ashley Clark

Episode Notes

In this enlightening episode of the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, we are honored to host Ashley Clark, the visionary founder of Bougie Birch and co-founder of Indigenous Markets. Ashley's journey is a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equity, aiming to advance Indigenous reconciliation in Canada. Through Bougie Birch, she has created a creative hub that blends education with mindfulness, while Indigenous Markets serves as a pioneering platform connecting Indigenous vendors with broader opportunities. This episode delves into Ashley's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and milestones she has encountered, and her impactful work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable business landscape.

Key Highlights:

• Ashley shares the inspiration behind founding Bougie Birch and co-founding Indigenous Markets, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, vision, and creating meaningful change.
• Ashley discusses her approach to overcoming stereotypes and promoting a more accurate and respectful understanding of Indigenous entrepreneurship.
• Insight into how Ashley measures success in an Indigenous business context, aligning with the concept of Indigenomics to balance cultural values with economic achievements.
• The discussion highlights how Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses can collaborate to support growth and reconciliation, showcasing the potential for mutual respect and shared prosperity.
• Ashley emphasizes how the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) influences her business approach and the role it plays in fostering an equitable environment for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
• Ashley offers guidance to listeners interested in supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and contributing to reconciliation efforts.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Ashley for sharing her experiences and insights, offering both inspiration and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from Indigenous communities. Her commitment to challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and advancing Indigenous reconciliation through business is a testament to the transformative potential of entrepreneurship.

A special thank you to our partners, without whom these conversations would not be possible: Exclusive Banking partner RBC, Exclusive shipping partner UPS, Exclusive accounting software partner Xero, and Exclusive E-mail partner, Constant Contact. Their support is instrumental in bringing these vital discussions to our audience.

To our listeners, we encourage you to engage with and support Indigenous businesses, contributing to a more equitable and reconciled economic landscape. Remember to subscribe to CanadianSME Small Business Magazine at www.canadiansme.ca  for more enlightening conversations and resources designed to empower the Canadian SME community.