Why become an Indigenous Entrepreneur?

When you think of an entrepreneur, you probably think of someone successful and well connected. Right? I used to. Growing up as an indigenous female in the city was not easy, to think I could ever make the salary of a male in Utah. All my life I have heard stories of people starting their own business and never understood the concept of how they made it work to their advantage. We only ever hear about their success story, but they don't tell you the process of how they got there. They don't explain their struggle and failures before they learned from their mistakes, and became successful.

So why does anyone decided to become entrepreneurs? Everyone always has their own personal reason, whether it be freedom to travel, freedom of time, living on their own terms, world changing ideas, or their passion can help others. But the reason should be that it can definitely change your life! The most beautiful idea every entrepreneur should have is that your businesses income directly relates to how hard you work. You allocate every dime, you pay the bills, you are responsible for your income, and you CONTROL your work environment. It is beautiful think that the sky is the limit when you own your products and business. No one can take it away from you.

When we see all these corporations, and businesses that have grown from nothing you should feel inspired to own your own. Entrepreneurship is the new real estate of control, something to own and protect. In this new world, everything is regulated but you can definitely find resources in your city to help you make sure you have the right permitting and processes. Everything is at the tip of your fingers which is online. Your city, local chambers, or college can help you with the basics. Also, YOUTUBE is an amazing bank of knowledge.

Now is the time for indigenous businesses to showcase their art, passion, technological advances and eco-friendly ideas. It is so important to let the world know we are still here and that our culture deserves to be represented in the mainstream media. I believe that all of our Indigenous people have so many artistic abilities in all markets that have the potential change our world. The only reason why we have not, is because we believe the obstacles of starting a business takes so much more than it really does. Confidence and passion can directly correlate with your idea. It just takes your passion to lead you and the confidence to move forward and believe you can do it. I believe that you can take the leap forward and just ask how to even begin. Please never give up even if you fail. Failure are the lessons to success. Just make sure you learn every time. Also, join your local chamber!