The Change it Up! Entrepreneur program is on it’s third cycle, training another group of aspiring entrepreneurs. This hands on training program was designed to increase available support for entrepreneurs. The programs works with each individuals strengths and abilities to assist in developing a business plan with step-by step support. Businesses such as Home Fashion & Decor by Bev, located in the Samson Mall, and Atoskewin Transport have come out of Change it Up.
This cycles group of aspiring entrepreneurs have all seen positive impacts this program has had on the community. From great success of the Cree Market to growing interest of community members wanting to start their own business, Change it Up has empowered Maskwacis.
Samson Cellular and Repair- Jay Samson
We asked Jay…
How did the idea for your business come about?
Through the entrepreneur program and always wanted to do my own business.
How has the Change it Up program impacted you?
Taught him what he knows now, and it has always been something needed within Maskwacis community with his cell phone repair business. Samson Cellular and Repair.
Art Gallery- Deanne Omeasoo
We asked Deanne…
What made you want to start your own business venture?
At first started out on my own with Art and realized that I needed more knowledge on becoming an Independent Entrepreneur.
What advice would you give others who want to become entrepreneurs?
Don’t give up, you’ll never regret the patience you gave into becoming an entrepreneur but you’ll regret giving up. Really need to know time management. and don’t be scared to take risks.
Maskwacis Barber Shop- Ivor C.W. Buffalo
We asked Ivor…
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
I’d have to say my late father R.W Buffalo. He always told me “find something and stick with it”..
How has the Change it Up program impacted you?
Prior to June 5, 2014 didn’t really have much, felt like I had no purpose. Now I feel like a big part of the fabrication in Maskwacis community, providing a local Barber Shop.
Omiyosiw Nails- Shanna Omeasoo
We asked Shanna…
What made you want to start your own business venture?
Doing make-up, hair, and nails has always been one of my passions and then figured out that by doing this as a business is something I would really enjoy doing as a career.
What have been some of your struggles and what have you learned from them? Having or finding a support network and of course financially with supplies, books, tuition, costs and expenses. I learned how to reach out and to not be afraid to ask for help.
Nechi Nectar- Taren Yellowbird
We asked Taren…
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My mother. She raised 7 children as a single parent while going to school. She doesn’t smoke, drink or play bingo. She is very strong.
How did the idea for your business come about?
My mom had health issues last year. So I started looking for a better diet. We started with smoothies, experimenting with fruit smoothies.
Red Earth Interiors- Marsha Omeasoo
We asked Marsha…
How did the idea for your business come about?
There is high demand for Native design interior products like bedding, curtains, wall paper and there are no products like this available. I want to create my own designs for these kind of products.
What have been some of your struggles and what have you learned from them? Believing in myself. You can have all the talent in the world but believing in yourself is a big struggle. This program has help motivate and encourage me to move forward.
Wasihko Kihew- Darren Simon (Youth sport programs)
We asked Darren…
What made you want to start your own business venture?
Being a father. There are no programs in our community for youth under 12.
How has the Change it Up program impacted you?
It opened my eyes to opportunities to provide for my family and the community. The program has exposed talent within the community and inspired others to start up a business. I see people encouraging each other and a change in the mentality of the community.
Prestons Clothing- Preston Nepoose
We asked Preston…
How did the idea for your business come about?
I’ve always wanted to design my own clothes. I want to make T-shirts and hoodies with cultural designs.
How has the Change it Up program impacted you?
It taught me how to run a business and how to improve my people skills. I see more awareness in the community of the program and more local entrepreneurs.
Wired PC Solutions- Jamie Omeasoo
We asked Jamie…
What made you want to start a business venture?
I want to work for myself and have always liked working with computers. I completed my training with Mactech, I’m an A+ Technical Support Specialist.
What have been some of your struggles and what have you learned from them?
Transportation has been a struggle and marketing my business. Networking with other entrepreneurs has helped me.
Maskwacis Day Home Service- Tanya Saddleback
We asked Tanya…
What have been some of your struggles and what have you learned from them?
Looking for a location for the day home has been a struggle and planning around child care for my own child. When I talk to elders they tell me to keep going.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My sister Talia. She went through the program and inspired me to go. She started Terica Catering and is still catering.