Semi-Finalist Spotlight on Garrett McMartin, Good Organics
Meet Garrett McMartin, Founder of Good Organics from Semiahmoo First Nation. Garrett is a Pow Wow Pitch British Columbia Semi-Finalist. We sat down with Garrett to learn more about him, his business and his reflections on entrepreneurship.
PWP: Garrett, what motivated you to start Good Organics?
GM: As an Indigenous entrepreneur, I believe everything is connected. I think every Indigenous person has a gift that can help to heal the world. By bringing our gifts to the world and connecting, we can heal the collective.
So, Good Organics started as a way to bring forward my gifts.
I am passionate about building systems that bring people together. But, all change doesn’t have to be big; it can be in the little things we use and do every day.
I was concerned about the toxic and wasteful products we use every day, so Good Organics was born from a desire to make a difference, starting with re-imagining toothpaste.
PWP: Can you tell us more about Good Organics?
GM: Good organics is a more sustainable approach to toothpaste.
We took something that every person uses every day and has been the same for 140 years and evolved it to benefit humanity, the planet, and your body.
Good Organics toothpaste tablets dramatically reduce the amount of water used daily and eliminate plastic.
We use just six naturally derived ingredients to provide complete oral care. Our main goal was to create an effective formula that was dentist-approved, and of course, we wanted them to taste great.
PWP: What has been the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
What I love about being an entrepreneur is problem-solving. It can be fun to be pushed out of your comfort zone and to be constantly growing.
I also love that we are attracting people and partners that align with our vision. I love the power of an idea, and the agency entrepreneurship gives me to make a difference and be part of something bigger than myself, being part of the solution.
PWP: Why did you choose to apply for Pow Wow Pitch?
GM: There is strength in numbers, and I saw it as an opportunity to share Good Organics with more people, to promote a more sustainable future, and to connect with others who share a passion for the environment and sustainability.
Through Pow Wow Pitch, I benefited from mentors, support, recognition and a fantastic community of diverse entrepreneurs. The entire process has opened my eyes and motivated me.
My Mentors were Jennifer LaFitte-Cote from EDC, Rebecca Fox from RBC and Dominic Reilly from RBC. Jennifer helped me pinpoint areas for improvement for my pitch, Rebecca supported me in thinking through my growth and finance strategy, and Dominic provided insights on available funding and resources to further my business goals.
PWP: What advice do you have for Indigenous people thinking of starting up a business?
GM: If you’ve ever wanted to do something and felt held back because you worried about what others may say or feel the support isn’t there, go for it.
When you apply your total energy to something, you will be surprised how everything starts to fall into place.
Your support may not be at home or even in your city, but I promise it exists. So never give up on something you set your mind to, and always give it your everything.
Dive in head first, reading and learning. Then, be unapologetically yourself, and don’t get pulled away from why you started. Money isn’t everything.
Every single person is a stakeholder in your business so treat them all with kindness and compassion.
Remember how strong you are.
PWP: Thank you for chatting with us, Garrett! Good luck with the Semi-Finals.
You can support Garrett to reach the Pow Wow Pitch Finals by voting for him for the People’s Choice Prize. Click here to vote for Garrett. You can also watch Garrett Pitch at the British Columbia Semi-Finals Live on September 24, 2021, at 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT. Click here to register to watch.