How To Support Diverse Entrepreneurs With A Shop App

June marks both Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month in Canada. In an effort to amplify diverse voices and make diverse entrepreneurs more discoverable, two new permanent collections on Shopify’s free mobile shopping assistant, Shop, were released earlier this month: Indigenous-owned businesses and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. These new collections can be used as a resource for all Canadians to not only discover, support and shop from these incredible brands, but also learn more about their personal stories and in some cases, how their heritage has inspired their entrepreneurial journey.

The Indigenous collection supports a mix of over 60 Indigenous-owned brands on Shopify from across North America including Canadian brands such as:

• Sisters Sage (Vancouver, B.C.): Founders Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus sell modern wellness products made with traditional Indigenous ingredients. The founders felt it was important to start a business where they could create something to help others and showcase their culture in a positive way to share with the world.
• Uasau Soap (Iqaluit, NVT): Located on the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Nunavut, Uasau Soap draws its inspiration from prehistoric Inuit tradition and the Nuna (which means everything found on the land and in the sea). Uasau Soap’s work is guided by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangi, or IQ, which is traditional knowledge of Inuit passed on through generations. Their soaps use materials harvested using traditional methods and no part of the animal is wasted when they harvest for the soaps.
• Sapling and Flint (Ohsweken, ON): Through their business, Mohawk Nation designers Dakota and Jesse Brant raise the profile of authentic Indigenous design, stories and artists in the global market. Their designs share the story of Turtle Island. With their business, they are creating space for Indigenous youth to have a positive upbringing that shares accurate and positive reflections of themselves. 

The LGBTQ+ collection was proudly co-curated by The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, the official non-profit dedicated to spreading the spirit of Stonewall. The collection supports 60 LGBTQ+ owned brands on Shopify, including:

• Ruby Shines (Toronto, ON): This father-daughter business makes form fitting clothes for trans girls after Jamie, the father, realized there were not any suitable beach wear for his daughter or other transgender and gender-nonconforming kids. 
• Get Real (Toronto, ON): This non-profit runs workshops and sells apparel to combat 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination in schools summer camps, and workplaces.
• Peau de Loup (Vancouver, B.C.): This shop offers button-down shirts and upcycled fabrics designed for tomboys by tomboys.

These latest collections are part of Shopify’s overall commitment to elevate more voices in entrepreneurship, with Shop also providing options to discover Asian-owned, Black-owned and Women-owned businesses. —Vita Daily

shop.app