Devon Fiddler of Waterhen Lake First Nation recently won the second place cash prize of $3,500 in the Saskatoon Tribal Councils 3rd Annual Mino-Bimaadiziwin Youth Business Plan Competition for SheNative Inc., a uniquely local and culturally stylistic leather handbag company. The company will give back to the community by employing women living in Saskatchewan. We caught up to Devon and fired a few questions at this up and coming passionate entrepreneur. 

What does it mean to you to get second place in the STC competition?

To me it means that I have sold my vision, that someone believes in me, that I can do it! It solidifies the business concept for me. And the money helps A LOT!!!

What is the most challenging about trying to bring a business to life?

Trying to bring a business to life has its up and downs, it's the constant changes that needs to be made in developing your business plan, and trying to take advice from so many different mentors, peers, coaches, judges of competitions and people just interested in your business idea. Everyone has something to offer, and it's trying make the right decisions based on the advice given that can get difficult. But I take every piece of advice and analyze it... does this for what I'm trying to do? Does this fit my values? Does this fit my vision? So I ask myself those questions when I am faced with advice and constructive criticism, and even opportunities. Sometimes all the information and advice can be overwhelming, but if I didn't have that feedback, then I can't make good decisions.

What is the most rewarding?

Living in my passion and my vision is the most rewarding. I wake up every day, since I've starting trying to start up full time, actually wanting to get out of bed and work. And I don't limit the hours to during the day. I'm obsessed with the business. It's all I want to talk about everyday to anyone that will listen! It's exciting and I'm obsessed! 

Why do you feel your business will succeed?

I think it will succeed because I'm creating a business that makes change happen, celebrating and empowering other women like me, is my passion. SheNative is more than just a brand of handbags and accessories; we're about collaborating, providing jobs, a secondary income, and giving back to women who need it. Not only that, but I take every opportunity to better myself as an entrepreneur and I have great people on my team, great mentors and collaborators. And great minds think alike! I have people wanting to buy handbags already, and I don't even have the first prototype finished!!!