AWE Inspiring Women
Embroidering a Design for Success
- "I was so happy with AWE’s quick approval process. I wasn’t left worrying if I would be approved – they let me know right away. I felt like they believed in my business.”
Fashion is in her blood. No longer able to keep up with the requests for her workmanship in custom embroidering and sewing, Tanya Eagle-Speaker decided to put her imaginative fashion and design skills to use and opened Eagle Spirit Embroidery in September of 2004.
Based in Cardston, Alberta, Eagle Spirit Embroidery specializes in custom-designed embroidery and dye sublimation – a form of printing using heat. “I never imagined the hobby I loved would evolve into my own business,” said Tanya. “I started out doing special sewing projects and embroidery for friends but then I started getting calls from strangers who had heard about my work. That’s when I decided to open my own shop to accommodate all the special orders.”
Tanya wanted to succeed in a First Nations’ small business venture. And has she ever. Not only has her clientele grown over the years, AWE recognized Tanya’s hard work by awarding her as the runner-up for the Women’s Enterprise Initiative Award of Excellence in March 2004.
Starting out, Tanya soon realized the challenges and potentially huge costs involved in starting her own business. A friend referred Tanya to AWE and that’s where her business took flight. She attended mentorship meetings and had a lot of great networking opportunities at events. “I have a diploma in fashion design and merchandising but AWE events were a perfect opportunity to discuss my business and get advice from other women. We shared stories about our experiences and really helped each other out.”
Tanya was also approved for an AWE loan to help get her business off the ground. “I was so happy with AWE’s quick approval process. I wasn’t left worrying if I would be approved – they let me know right away. I felt like they believed in my business.”
The future of her business looks bright. Eagle Spirit Embroidery also has a gift shop with a line of Pendleton blankets, uniquely designed outerwear, locally handmade native jewelry and moccasins. Expansion plans are underway and Tanya is working on a marketing plan with her husband.
“My clientele is growing. I believe Eagle Spirit Embroidery has been a positive role-model business for future entrepreneurs. I like being my own boss, using my imagination to create unique products for my customers and having more flexible hours to spend time with my family.”