Meet Amanda Bernard

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Bernard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Hi Amanda, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

While working with Indigenous communities, I realized the immense talent among Indigenous artists that remained largely unrecognized by the broader public. Leveraging my business background, I recognized how detrimental hidden fees could be to small businesses. This realization sparked the idea for Shawish—a platform designed to provide these artists with the recognition and support they deserve.

I envisioned Shawish as a space where entrepreneurs could showcase their unique items without the burden of unnecessary fees. Our platform offers thousands of authentic Indigenous handmade goods, enabling direct support for Indigenous artists. Unlike conventional marketplaces, Shawish abolishes monthly and transaction fees, thus making it more accessible for vendors. My goal was clear: to dismantle economic barriers and promote sustainable growth within Indigenous communities, ensuring that Shawish would serve as a catalyst for empowerment and recognition.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hi! My name is Amanda Bernard and I’m a proud member of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and the founder of Shawish Market which is an Indigenize custom built platform similar to Etsy that empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs as we don’t charge any vendor fees.

Shawish Market is unique not only in its fee structure but also in its vendor verification process. We ensure that all products sold are authentic and directly benefit Indigenous communities.

We are committed to incorporating Indigenous Ways of Knowing into our platform by actively listening to our vendors and implementing feedback from the communities we serve. In response to the suggestions of elders, we have incorporated the practice of trading, a cornerstone of Indigenous culture, into our marketplace.

We have over 160 vendors, more than 700 items, and 12,000+ Instagram followers. We have begun to remove colonial borders by onboarding vendors from the US, and our goal is to reach 300 vendors by 2025.

My original last name was Shawish, but settlers made my ancestors change it, choosing Bernard after their favorite priest. To honor my ancestors, I named the marketplace Shawish.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey include:

1. Listening to My Community, Elders, and Indigenous Artists: Taking the time to listen to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the Indigenous community was crucial. I wanted the system to reflect their needs and be created by and for Indigenous people. Without this, Shawish Market wouldn’t have reached its current success.

2. Adaptability in the Face of Obstacles: No matter what you’re trying to accomplish, there will be obstacles. It’s important to be prepared to adjust your plan to overcome these challenges while staying true to your vision. This flexibility has been essential in navigating the journey.

3. Passion for Indigenous Communities and the Arts: My passion for working with Indigenous artists and communities has been a driving force. This passion has kept me going, even during tough times, and has prevented burnout. Taking necessary breaks helps to recharge and continue the mission with renewed energy.

Advice for those early in their journey:

1. Develop Listening Skills: Engage deeply with your community and stakeholders. Understand their pain points and aspirations to ensure your efforts align with their needs.

2. Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to pivot and adjust your plans as needed. Obstacles will arise, but maintaining flexibility will help you overcome them while staying true to your vision.

3. Cultivate Passion: Find and nurture your passion for your work. This passion will sustain you through challenging times and keep you motivated. Taking breaks to recharge is essential for long-term success.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer has significantly influenced my development. This book opened my eyes to the idea of reciprocity and how the natural world offers us many gifts, which we must reciprocate by how we treat both Mother Earth and those around us.

One particularly impactful example Kimmerer shares is that grass feeds the buffalo, but the buffalo’s spit helps the grass grow faster. This highlights the principle of reciprocity and the importance of giving thanks for what you have received and giving back for what you have taken.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

1. Artwork created by Bree Island, Mixed Creatives
2. Screenshot from Shawish Market
3. Maya Bernard wearing Spirit Beads Co from Shawish Market
4. Earrings found on Shawish Market (The Resting Butterfly, Future Kokum, Noohkooms Favourite, Moon in Libra)

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made