Semi-Finalist Spotlight on Candice Evans-Waite
Meet Candice Evans-Waite, Founder of The Local Adventure Company from Buffalo Narrows in Saskatchewan. Candice is a Pow Wow Pitch Prairies Semi-Finalist. We sat down with Candice to learn more about her, her business and her reflections on entrepreneurship.
PWP: Candice, what motivated you to start your business?
CEW: I believe in a holistic approach to health, view nature as a gift, and value collaborating and learning from other nations.
I live near some of the most beautiful lakes, so during pandemic lockdowns, to nurture my mental health and to exercise, I purchased a kayak.
I loved it so much that I bought a handful more and started renting to community members and tourists as a safe and social distance activity.
PWP: Can you tell me more about The Local Adventure Company?
We currently offer rentals of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to individuals, families and small groups. We bring the watercrafts to our customers so they can enjoy and play in the water where they live, and while they enjoy the water, we clean the shore.
We work hard to share knowledge and about the history of the people and places we serve.
Our goal is to expand the company through franchising to other towns and villages.
PWP: What has been the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur so far?
I love the flexibility to change focus and direction, develop tailored strategies for different places, and meet and work with other people.
I am proud that our brand is becoming well known and trusted.
I am also proud that we are showing others in our community that we can follow our dreams, take action and be our own boss.
PWP: What has been the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur?
As a small operation, we are navigating how to serve multiple locations at once. With so much interest and demand for our service, we are determined to find a sustainable, efficient and empowering way to scale and serve more customers and communities.
PWP: Why did you choose to apply for Pow Wow Pitch?
I truly believe in my business and plan and know that it can benefit more people. So, I decided to apply for Pow Wow Pitch in the spirit of, ‘if not now, when?’ It’s been so exciting so far.
Through this experience, I am proving to myself that I can do anything I can put my mind to.
Also, it has been fun to get my community involved in cheering us on in the competition.
PWP: What advice do you have for Indigenous people thinking of starting up a business?
Go for it. Do your research, network and believe in yourself even when others don’t.
PWP: Thank you for chatting with us, Candice! Good luck with the Semi-Finals.
You can support Candice to reach the Pow Wow Pitch Finals by voting for her for the People’s Choice Prize. Click here to vote for Candice. You can also watch Candice Pitch at the Prairies Semi-Finals Live on September 22, 2021, at 6 PM ET Click here to register to watch.