Indigenous traditions meet modern wellness at one Vancouver small business.
Sisters Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus are harnessing heritage through their company, Sisters Sage.
The pair, along with one employee, handcraft self-care and wellness products using Indigenous ingredients out of their Vancouver home.
Each artisanal item is inspired by traditional First Nations culture. They include cold-processed soaps, smudge sprays, medicinal salves, and bath bombs. The eco-friendly products are all vegan and palm oil-free.
The Angus sisters are from the Gitxaala, Nisga’a, Cree, and Metis Nations; both grew up in East Vancouver.
Sisters Sage was formed in 2018 as a way to showcase their culture positively.
"During this global pandemic, people have wanted to support small businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and stay-at-home businesses and we just happen to check all of those boxes," explains Lynn-Marie.
The business continues to grow, with some international orders coming from as far away as Australia.
Inspiring other Indigenous entrepreneurs is key for the Angus sisters.
"One of our main motivators is to inspire, promote, and motivate other Indigenous women to also define their own financial futures through Indigenous business," says Lynn-Marie.
