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Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Back from The Pow Wow

I just came back from a Pow Wow and it was nothing short from awesome. I unveiled 2 brand new "never before seen" designs and the feedback I got from the people themselves was truly priceless and I did take it to heart.

People from all walks of life and of all ages came to my booth and expressed such great positive comments on my featured designs that I really felt honored. I put a lot of heart in these designs and during the Pow Wow I saw shirts that I had sold the year before being worn proudly and even though they were bought last year, they still looked great! Customers from the year before were buying more shirts and I was more than pleased to sell them more shirts.

I even had one guy buy a shirt, rip out the hang tag and put it on right there on the spot! It wasn't too long before I ran out of stock on certain designs and people were just so disappointed when they couldn't buy them any more, yes it was nothing short than awesome! :-)

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Pow Wow Times

On the road we go again to meet and greet and of course display our very cool gear, it's a lot of work even though it doesn't seem like it, setting up the booth and meeting THOUSANDS of people and your typical Pow Wow goes on for 2 or 3 days so you gotta be on your feet for quite a bit, good thing I got some good shoes!

I remember last year during a big 3-day Pow Wow, I ended up being all by my lonesome self at my booth since my "help" had to go to his daughter's wedding, I kid you not when the end of the day came and everyone went home or to their tent, I crashed on my pillow like a ton of bricks. I also remember that everyday at about 5pm their were always these HUGE gusts of wind trying to take everyone's booth apart and I had to hold on to the top flap of my booth for that added weight until it passed, it was a good laugh.

I also remember during that particular Pow Wow, this woman who was about 40 came by and bought a shirt, she then came back again to exchange it for a bigger size. She seemed a little nervous but I had other customers waiting so as soon as I made the switch she quickly disappeared into the crowd. Later on when I went to fold the shirt she gave me, I noticed it was stained with juice... I mean come on... At her age she was probably a mother or aunt or even a grandma, what kind of example is that? It's not the shirt but the action she took that matters here, if she would have just came up to me and spoke the truth about her little accident then she would have gotten a shirt just like that!

Please don't all go and spill juice on your shirt just to see if I'm telling the truth... ;p

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

The Business of Business

I have two favorite times in a day, an hour before sunrise and an hour before sunset. I used to go fishing a lot when I was younger but now I have to plan ahead and set a time to do everything since I have other commitments or engagements that I have to follow through on. That's all part of business and each passing day leaves me satisfied because I know I have done what I was set out to do. Sure there are challenges but it's what you do in front of those challenges that makes you, well, you. It's kinda like fishing, when you get a nibble you need to set the hook, if you wait to long you'll miss your chance, if you yank to soon then you've spoiled your chance. Just like fishing, experience increases your chances of success but keep in mind that even the best of fishermen have their off days but then the next day comes and they land a monster. I feel like going fishing now ;)

Monday, May 5th, 2008

The Standing Proud Project to be continued...

The project did generate a lot of interest, the support is there but at this time the resources are not. I give much thanks to all donors and everyone who supported this project but it will have to be continued at a later date. All donors have received a full refund and again I give plenty of thanks for their support.

I wrote to many individuals and the people that went the extra mile were regular people who chose to support a good cause and are by no means Mr. or Mrs. zillionaire. Through my searching to move this project along, I met great individuals one of which has already established his own project for Canada's First Nation people which is similar to mine and any project that aims to strengthen individuals by empowering them with the necessary tools to better their lives is to be commended.

This project will be continued, it's just a matter of time and I have no doubt for its success.

Sunday, March 16th, 2008

The Standing Proud Project continues...

It has been a little over a month and a lot has happened since. I have chosen the Benefic Group to handle the registration of the charitable organization, I also started up a group over at Care2.com for The Standing Proud Project. I am getting a lot of support and I am very glad for this.

I also sent out a few letters to high profile individuals but haven't heard anything from them yet. GiveMeaning which is a Canadian registered charity has agreed to issue tax receipts which is great, I also started a Chipin account to help in the fundraising efforts.

This morning I went outside to drink my coffee and as I sat there an eagle came over and circled my house before moving on, I will take this as a good omen since eagles are not common at all this time of year especially flying so low over my house!

I like good omens ;)

Sunday, February 10th, 2008

The Standing Proud Project

A couple of weeks ago I decided to call for funding but as I did, my New Year's resolution began to brew some more in this head of mine, so I sat down in front of my computer and began doing some research.

It became clearer that my situation was part of a bigger picture and that what I was going through could easily be multiplied by thousands across an entire Nation. As I researched some more, it became clearer that an organization was needed and that I was going to need some help in doing it, The Standing Proud Project was born.

It is part of my vision to see my people become inspired from individuals in their own community who have succeeded in following their own dreams and goals. Many talented individuals are simply in need of an opportunity to present itself to them.

I think we got enough politicians, time to take care of business ;)

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

My New Year's Resolution

For this new year I have made a resolution, what I will do is set up a fund where a % of all sales revenues will be placed into this fund. The purpose of this fund is to assist fellow First Nation individuals who are on social assistance with their business start-up costs. At this time, it is very difficult for these types of individuals to find funding through traditional channels such as banks or so called government programs.

This created fund will have applicant requirements which still need to be finalized but the criteria will be fairly simple and will go along these lines: individuals must be on social assistance and prove that they are capable of running a business. Recipients of this funding would not be required to reimburse the money since it wouldn't be a loan but could make a contribution in form of a donation towards the fund.

The idea is for qualified recipients to be able to use the money as cash equity, inventory purchases or equipment purchases and the like. This is still in development and as I said before the details still need to be finalized but I think that this project is going to do some real good.

Thursday, December 6th, 2007

The Season is Upon Us!

It is that time of year, when shopping is getting nuts and people are going nuts.  As for me it is a time where I usually can’t help but recollect all those other years during which it was this time of year.  Childhood memories, vacations, family times, the smiles and the disappointments.  What?  No I never got a bag of tube socks as a present, *cough cough*.  But it always made me wonder, why buy such gifts?

It’s not because of financial reasons because if you can buy a bag of tube socks, it means you could have bought a little musical card or some little novelty toy, anything…  I think it’s the quantity illusion, bigger is better…  Probably also a time issue, no time to take the time.  I guess it also depends on the person.  Personally I can’t see myself doing that for someone, for any reason, okay well maybe as a joke on my brother but besides that?  Yeah okay as a joke on an in-law, heehee!

I guess those tube socks traumatized me on some level because I remember them so well, even now when I go to wear them I get a slight sick feeling in my stomach, heehee!!  Just kidding!

I wish you all a happy holiday season and please don’t buy underwear or socks for your kids!!

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

Homage to the greatest CEOs on earth

There’s a reason why I haven’t added a little blog until now, I am the proud father of a beautiful and healthy little girl.  It did take me by surprise because I was so sure that it was going to be a boy and with the announcement from the doctor: “It’s a girl!” I was stunned and overwhelmed with joy!

Once we got settled in at the house, my son who is 2 got to meet his sister and he was also stunned.  It sure was different juggling daily new activities and it got me thinking, if I wasn’t around to help my better half, she sure would have had her hands more than full.  But what about the other women out there?  The ones where their better halves cannot be there to help out because they got to go to work or whatever, ouch!

Then I realized that I have overlooked the job of mothers, I don’t think any one really thinks much about it but let’s say if instead we’re discussing with the CEO of a large Fortune 500 company, then people would be conducting interviews and write down comments or advice and look up to this individual, but there is absolutely no way that this CEO can match the job and duties of a mother.  Think about it, the women who had 3 or 4 kids, how about 7 or 8?  I can’t even imagine!  That is why I am writing this blog entry, because I have come to realize that the greatest CEOs on earth, are the moms out there!

Tuesday, October 16th, 2007

Inspired Me

Inspiration and creativity is a funny thing, it just seems to come out of the blue and "voilà"! Off I go creating some funky design and as I go along it seems to trigger even more inspiration and creativity. I remember a good friend of mine who couldn't draw stick figures but boy this guy could sing! We all have a hidden talent, something we're really good at and enjoy doing. It's amazing when you think about it, the diversity of all our gifts and I applaud all parents out there who encourage their child's talents and dreams.

I'm pretty busy these days which is great, the company is gaining more recognition while I'm still developing new ideas and designs, yes the hoodies are on their way same as the long sleeves and no I haven't forgotten you ladies out there or the little ones either! Certain things shouldn't be rushed, it has to be baked to a golden perfection...

You may have noticed the site has changed a little, just a little tune up and polishing here and there. The Aboriginal People's Choice Awards are over, don't know the results yet but I am curious, well I need to go back to work or my boss won't be happy, oh yeah I'm the boss! ;) Follow your dreams!

Saturday, September 29th, 2007

My Second Blog Entry

I have been asked if I can give advice to young or new entrepreneurs, so I will.  For me I believe that you must go after something that you are passionate about, everyone has something that they are passionate about, doesn’t matter what it is.  Don’t get into something where you’ll be dreading going to work everyday for the next X many years because you’ll be the one suffering the most not mentioning everyone else around you!

Money, oh yes that wonderful necessity.  Money will come but you need to give your 100% attention to what you’re getting into, work isn’t a lottery.  Expect long hours and hard work but that is part of being an entrepreneur, that’s why you need to find something that you’re passionate about, that way you’ll be enjoying it.  Being an entrepreneur is a calling, but you absolutely need to be patient in order to succeed but do not procrastinate either!

Think of yourself as a house builder who has no clue as to how to build a house, some people would just give up while others will learn what tools and materials you need, how to use those tools, learn what the proper rules and regulations are about building the house and then begin, next thing you’ll know you’ve built the house and it’s solid.  That’s why you have to be patient, if you hurry and skip corners then the house will show it and when it rains and the roof starts leaking or during a cold winter snap you’re freezing your butt off because there’s no insulation, don’t go asking why!

The truth is that you have everything at your disposal, I don’t care if you have no idea how or by what means, all you need to do is to take your first step and have faith.  Should you “fail” in whatever you’re trying to accomplish, do not see it as a failure!  It’s only another step, think of it this way, the day that you were born did you start walking right away?  Of course not!  As the years went by you took little tumbles but today you know how to run without even thinking about it!  That is why you cannot stop at a so called “failure”!  It would be a little scary if everyone would succeed at their very first try at everything they tried!

Another important thing I would like to mention is balance, you need to balance your life because we are human beings, don’t be the 24 hour workaholic because your life is going to slip right by you, balance it out, take time off for yourself, family, friends, walks in the woods or whatever suits your fancy!  Enjoy life!

I’ll end this blog by saying this, all you really need to be successful in life is passion, faith, some discipline and balance.  Personally, I think all of us can accomplish our dreams and with that being said, I wish you much success!

Sunday, September 16th, 2007

My First Blog Entry

Well now, my first blog... Is it a blog or a blurb? I think blurb. Okay so let's see, work, more work and even more work... All work and no play makes the medecine man go away? I have been extremely busy, marketing, selling, website, designs, manufacturing, family and the list goes on but I do not see this as a chore or a grind. A lot of it is passion, passion for the culture, passion for art, this is my company and even though I'm putting in long hours, days really feel like hours.

When I started this company I wanted things a certain way, people will always give you their 2 cents, everyone has opinions but what really matters is you, how passionate are you in your goal? I wanted a company that I could be proud of, an Aboriginal company that strives for quality behind its products. In a way I'm doing what my ancestors have done, long ago we were saught after for our furs and goods because of their quality and craftsmanship, well now it's apparel.

It all started over a decade ago, a spark came into my head about creating my own line of clothing, as the years went by I acquired knowledge, skills and experience from various sources. Once a source got dry, I moved on to the next. Then I layed my spark dormant for awhile, tried different venues until that faithfull day I had an accident on the job. I broke my left arm and right hand that day, I was more than lucky, I had my life and I wasn't paralyzed. People usually change when something drastic happens to them, that being said my spark rekindled and Rezident Junction Co. was born.

I chose to stick with my values, high quality and no sweatshop stuff, I don't care if everyone else does it, I am not a crowd follower, well not that crowd anyways. I wanted something with culture but I didn't want to create "gift shop" style T-shirts either, sure they're nice but I just don't wear that and when you look around nobody else is either. Forget the cheezy "romance novel" styles that are still out there, you know the one with a half naked Native guy riding a unicorn, please... I started designing stuff that I would wear and it started to catch people's eyes. That's what happens, do something that adds value and people recognize it right away.

So on my to do list there's lots, but it's a step at a time, so i hope you enjoyed my little blurb as a first blurb, until the next one, much luv and blessings!