Member Spotlight on Ashley Clark, Founder of Bougie Birch

Ashley Clark, a Kanien’kehá:ka entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator, is the force behind Bougie Birch and Indigenous Markets. With a background in International Relations and Indigenous Studies, Ashley works at the intersection of business, policy, and community-building. Her work focuses on advancing reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous economic empowerment. We sat down with Ashley to discuss her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the role that ADAAWE Indigenous Business Hub has played in her success.

ADAAWE: Tell us about your journey into entrepreneurship. How did Bougie Birch come to life?

Ashley Clark: My entrepreneurial journey started as a form of healing and reconnection. I was navigating personal challenges, including the intergenerational impacts of colonization, and I found solace in traditional crafts and cultural practices. Bougie Birch emerged from that healing process—a way to celebrate Indigenous artistry while creating a platform for education, storytelling, and allyship. It was about honoring Indigenous knowledge and fostering economic empowerment at the same time.

ADAAWE: Was there a defining moment that shifted your perspective on business?

Ashley: Absolutely. Attending a product photography workshop at ADAAWE was a game-changer. It introduced me to a network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and resources that reshaped my mindset. That day, I realized I wasn’t just creating products; I was building something that could sustain me and contribute to my community. Visibility and self-determination became central to my business approach from that moment forward.

ADAAWE: What challenges have you faced as an Indigenous entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

Ashley: Navigating financial literacy and access to funding was a major hurdle. Many Indigenous entrepreneurs face systemic barriers in business financing, and I had to learn through trial and error. I overcame this by tapping into Indigenous-led economic initiatives, grants, and mentorship programs. Another challenge was educating non-Indigenous customers and corporate clients on ethical engagement with Indigenous businesses. I addressed this by embedding cultural competency training into my offerings, ensuring that my work fosters understanding, not just transactions.

ADAAWE: Can you share a setback that ultimately helped you grow?

Ashley: Early on, I applied for a retail opportunity that I was certain would be a breakthrough, but I was rejected. At first, it felt like a major setback. But instead of seeing it as a failure, I took it as a sign to re-evaluate my business model. That rejection pushed me to focus more on corporate workshops and storytelling-driven sales—a move that ended up being far more impactful and sustainable for Bougie Birch. It reinforced an important lesson: rejection often means redirection.

ADAAWE: How do Indigenous values shape the way you do business?

Ashley: My business is rooted in reciprocity, sustainability, and relational accountability. Every decision I make is informed by the understanding that my success is not just mine—it belongs to my community. I prioritize ethical sourcing, mentorship, and collaborations with other Indigenous businesses. I also integrate cultural competency training into my work, ensuring that education is a key part of commerce.

ADAAWE: Is there a philosophy or teaching that guides you in business?

Ashley: The Seven Generations Principle has been my guiding force. It reminds me that every action I take should consider its impact on the next seven generations. This perspective keeps me grounded and ensures that my business decisions align with long-term community well-being rather than short-term gains.

ADAAWE: What advice would you give to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs?

Ashley: Find your people. Seek out Indigenous business hubs like ADAAWE, mentorship programs, and community-based initiatives. Lean into reciprocity—support other Indigenous businesses, and they will support you in return. Look into funding designed for Indigenous entrepreneurs through NACCA, the Indigenous Prosperity Fund, or the CCIB. Most importantly, trust your knowledge. Our ancestors were traders, business owners, and innovators long before colonial systems disrupted our traditional economies. We are reclaiming that space.

ADAAWE: How important has community support been in your journey?

Ashley: Community support is everything. Without it, entrepreneurship can be isolating. I’ve built a strong support system by being intentional about collaboration, investing in relationships, and ensuring my work serves a greater purpose. I show up for others—whether that’s attending Indigenous markets, amplifying fellow entrepreneurs’ work, or offering mentorship when I can. That reciprocity fuels my business and keeps me connected to my roots.

ADAAWE: What’s next for Bougie Birch?

Ashley: I want Bougie Birch to be more than a business—I want it to be a movement. My goal is to expand my corporate cultural competency training so that workplaces and educational institutions across Canada have the tools to engage meaningfully with Indigenous employees and businesses.

ADAAWE: Where do you see Indigenous entrepreneurship heading in the future?

Ashley: Indigenous entrepreneurs are reshaping industries by prioritizing community wealth over individual profit, sustainability over mass production, and relationships over transactions. As we reclaim economic spaces, I see Indigenous businesses leading the way in ethical sourcing, land stewardship, and cultural preservation. The future is Indigenous, and the broader business world will need to catch up.

ADAAWE: How has ADAAWE impacted your business journey?

Ashley: I joined ADAAWE because I saw the power of a dedicated space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive. The support, resources, and connections within the hub create an ecosystem where Indigenous businesses are not just surviving but excelling. It’s more than just a space—it’s a collective movement toward economic sovereignty.

Ashley Clark’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship. Through Bougie Birch, she is not just building a business—she is paving the way for the next generation of Indigenous leaders. We are honored to have her as part of the ADAAWE community. Follow Ashley's journey at Bougie Birch or on Instagram at @BougieBirch.