Casey Desjarlais, CEO of Decolonial Clothing, leads an Indigenous-owned brand in Vancouver, promoting social justice and amplifying Indigenous voices through authentic apparel. Founded with the mission to increase visibility for Indigenous people, Decolonial Clothing generates revenue through retail, online sales, and custom printing services. They prioritize local sourcing and Indigenous-operated production, with a team of over 10 BIPOC staff.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Decolonial Clothing is an Indigenous-owned clothing and lifestyle brand. We amplify Indigenous voices and promote collective decolonization.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always been a creative person, someone wanting to do things outside the “box”. Me and my partner, Dakota Bear, have worked alongside our communities in many ways and after having children we didn’t want to spend our days working 9-5 jobs just to get by, we needed to do meaningful and impactful work that uplifts the Indigenous community we come from.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Our mission was to create a clothing business that is authentic and promotes social justice. We wanted to increase the visibility for Indigenous people in the clothing industry.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele is Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous allies. Our brand resignates with individuals who are aware of the impacts of colonialism especially to Indigenous people and working towards making a change and pushing for social justice.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We are a clothing brand, selling through our retail shop and our online shop. We also offer a custom printing service.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located at 269 E Georgia Street in Chinatown, Vancouver – open from 12-6, or online 24/7!
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Do you outsource your printing and materials from overseas, and is it Indigenous operated as well? All of our materials come from local suppliers, we print and produce our own designs out of our warehouse and we have a team of over 10 BIPOC staff!
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best part of what I do is being able to connect with the local community and our local supporters. It is interesting to see the excitement and pride from others when they stumble across our store and engage with our staff and products, it’s always a real and genuine interaction. The worst part of what I do would be taxes lol!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Entrepreneurs trade their 9-5 for a 24/7
Where can we follow you?
@decolonialclothing on Instagram and Facebook.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Sister Sage 🙂
