b'RETAIL SPACEethical sourcing. This alliance enabled Birch Bark Coffee to meet the growing demand for its products while stayingThe growing presence of Indigenous true to its mission.products in major retail spaces signals more Simultaneously, the company securedthan just market expansion. It represents amilestonedealwithGiantTiger, placing Birch Bark Coffee in its 300a powerful movement toward inclusion, stores across Canada. I told them I was going to fill all that space, andequity and a deeper understanding of Idid,Marsolais-Nahwegahbow proudly recalls.Indigenous culture.These contracts not only brought Birch Bark Coffee products to a national audi-ence but also demonstrated to the busi-ness world that Indigenous businesses and their products can thrive in main-stream retail. Marsolais-Nahwegahbows advice for companies at the starting point of part-nerships with larger retail stores is prag-matic in nature. Bring lawyers in for sure, he says. Do your due diligence. Cross your Ts and dot your Is with your contracts to make sure that they are mutual on both sides and that you have an exit strategy.Growing Birch Bark Coffee has never beensolelyaboutincreasingsales, stressesMarsolais-Nahwegahbow, and his commitment to giving back to Indigenous communities remains central to his business model. Birch Bark Coffee was built around the Seven Grandfather Teachings, ensuring its success translates into a meaningful impact that revolves around supporting water quality, mental health, and youth development initia-tives. As we grow as a business, we grow bigger in giving back, Marsolais-Nahwegahbow says. SIGNIFICANT IMPACTAnother Indigenous success story is Cheekbone Beauty, a cosmetic brand founded by Jenn Harper, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur. The company is known for its high-quality, eco-conscious cosmetics, which reflect Harpers vision of honouring her heritage and giving back to her community, all while addressing environ-mental concerns in the beauty industry.In 2021, Cheekbone Beauty achieved a major milestone when it secured a part-nership with Sephora Canada, ampli-fyingIndigenousrepresentationin the beauty space. Today, Cheekbone Beauty can be found in over 60 Sephora Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT31'