Last week, during our team activity “Where did you find the berries?”, I shared that the berries I found were in the partnerships we made early on in our business journey. Collaboration is truly the foundation of Indigenous Box, and this activity serves as a reminder of the lessons we’ve learned and the people who have helped us along the way.
I also introduced the concept of ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐠ wichihik (help one another)and emphasized that, despite the challenges our economy is facing, it is our collective responsibility to lift each other up.
Reflecting on this, I shared a story from our first year. We were navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic as a startup, generating seven figures in revenue but struggling to secure the growth capital we needed. No bank would even consider us. It was an incredibly challenging time. But then, we reached out to the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) network, and they believed in us. They offered us a low-interest loan when we needed it most. That loan was more than just financial support, it was an affirmation that someone saw the potential in what we were building. It gave us the confidence to grow, innovate, and dream bigger.
I recently attended an AWE board meeting and had the opportunity to share how much their support meant to us. It was a full circle moment presenting to the organization that had such a profound impact on our journey and showing them the growth they had helped us achieve. It reminded me of the ripple effects of collaboration, and how investing in one another creates opportunities that extend far beyond that initial support.
I wanted to share this story with my team as a reminder: we are all part of something bigger. Collaboration, trust, and the willingness to help one another have been the cornerstones of Indigenous Box’s success. And as we move forward, we will continue to find the berries in the partnerships we nurture, the lessons we learn, and the opportunities we create for ourselves and for others.
To those who have supported us along the way, thank you for believing in us. And to those who may be looking for their berries, remember: they are often found when you lean into collaboration and trust in the power of community. #teamlearning #growth #community
"Where Did You Find the Berries?" 🍓
At Indigenous Box, every staff meeting starts with this simple yet powerful question: "Where did you find the berries?"
It’s not just a question; it’s a mindset. 🍃 Finding berries is about discovering something that benefits not just yourself but your entire community. For us, it means sharing knowledge, resources, or opportunities that can uplift our team, our suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Whether it’s a new vendor doing amazing work, a tool to streamline our processes, or a small insight that sparks big ideas—this question reminds us that collective success starts with individual contributions.
🌟 Together, we grow stronger. 🌟
#IndigenousBox #TeamCulture #Collaboration #CollectiveGrowth
What a brilliant day, loved it! 🎉