Okiki Podcast Episode 17: Christine Marie (CEO of Awasis Boutique)
Awasis Boutique was founded by Christine Marie, a proud Metis/Filipino mama of two, who enjoyed sewing cute, comfy, practical + quality items for her boys, because shopping for little boys can be hard! After receiving continuous orders of custom bibs and aprons and interest from others, Christine did some research to see if there was an Indigenous baby line in Saskatchewan. To her surprise, there was no such thing. Thus, Awasis Boutique was born out of her home in February 2018. Awasis means “child” in Cree.
Awasis Boutique is the first Indigenous inspired baby and kids fashion line within Saskatchewan that features custom bibs, blankets and onesies, toddler tees, mama tees and more.
Within the onesie/tees collection, you will find phrases in the Cree and English languages. Examples of phrases: “Bannock Baby” “Just Jigging” + “I love Kokum”.
During the first year of business, Christine partnered up with 11 retailers which include the Royal University Hospital, Wanuskewin stores, Batoche Gift Shop, Ready Set Baby and more within the Saskatoon area. She also partnered with stores in Regina, Prince Albert and Calgary, AB.
Christine is a Metis mama who is dedicated to giving back to the community and on a mission to promote, celebrate and educate people about the Indigenous culture one product at a time.
About the Founder:
Christine Marie graduated with honours in 2010 at the U of S through Suntep with a Bachelor of Education with her teaching subjects being Home Economics and Native Studies.
Christine taught for a few years before stepping into the role of motherhood. While teaching, she devoted much of her time to helping at-risk youth and had a passion to inspire specifically, Indigenous youth. She has shared her life story at a variety of local reserves and youth groups about overcoming stereotypes as a Metis woman.
She was the first within her immediate family to graduate from Post-Secondary and now, start and launch her own business. Hard working, passionate and fun are a few words that describe her well.
Some other fun facts include:
Anthem Singer in Cree + English for SK Rattlers 2019
CBC Future 40 recipient 2018
Anthem Singer for SK RoughRiders 2016/2017
WeDay Guest Speaker/Aboriginal Recipient 2013
Proud Generation Calendar Recipient 2011
Home Economics Hanon Scholarship 2009
Media Coverage in 2018 for Awasis Boutique - CTV Saskatoon, Global News
Saskatoon, The Star Phoenix, CBC Indigenous, CBC Saskatchewan, Eagle Feather News,
CFWE Radio Edmonton, MBC Radio La Ronge + APTN.
Head to Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date with the latest and/or shop the products from Awasis Boutique!
Be sure to follow Christine on all her platforms. Check out her handles below:
Awasis Boutique Social Links:
Instagram: @awasisboutique https://www.instagram.com/awasisboutique/
Facebook: @awasisboutique https://www.facebook.com/awasisboutique/
Online Shop: https://awasis-boutique.myshopify.com
Top 5 Takeaways:
Recognize The Gap
Have eyes to see what gap(s) there are in your community and culture. Determine and understand how you are able to stand in the gap(s) and be the bridge to what is missing in your community and culture. By bridging the gap(s) you are giving voice to a need that many will recognize but not be in a position to bring change. Christine saw a gap and as she stepped many confirmed that there was a gap and that she was in fact, bridging it in.
2. Embrace “YOU”
Release stereotypes that you and others place on yourself and develop a growth mindset about culture and heritage and the influence both culture and heritage have in shaping you as an individual.
This mindset creates compassion and drive to see others no longer live in shame because of their culture and heritage but rather embrace and value what they have to offer.
3. Authentic Branding Matters
In order to build your following base products, phrases, and wording must align with what the branding speaks to. Christine made modifications to her branding to ensure that material was authentically made, and sourced out ways to increase the authenticity of her brand so that when individuals would ask questions, she would be prepared and genuine in answering them.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Recognize, understand and embrace your limitations and set goals that work within those limitations, keeping in mind that goals can be changed and readapted along the way. Example: Currently Christine has the ability to immerse herself full-time into business but her life circumstances do not allow for her to take this on and has had to set the realistic goal that currently she is only able to take on business on a part-time basis. This is a choice she has made in order to be present with her children before they begin school. Christine knows this will not always been the situation and so has her eyes set to the future when her children are in school and she is able to adapt her life to promote business on a full-time basis.
5. Empower Others Through Community
Christine is passionate about empowering other Indigenous women entrepreneurs and youth with cultural and entrepreneurial skills. She believes this can be accomplished through building community and relationship with those she meets. Christine endeavors to empower communities to learn, rise, grow, embrace, achieve and thrive as they succeed in life.
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ABOUT FIYIN:
Fiyin Obayan is the founder of Okiki Consulting, where she helps business owners communicate their personal brand or company brand stories through video content, in order to communicate to their target audience.
She has been participating in video storytelling for 9 years starting with her previous Myspace Channel, and to her personal YouTube Channel. As an entrepreneur, She has learned to develop that skill for the social media and now specialized in using it for the LinkedIn platform. Through posting regular content from September 2019, She have gone from 1000 connections to 4000 connections on the platforms and gained clients and she wants to empower others to do the same.
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