![[Indigenous Beauty Spotlight] Sequoia Proudly Indigenous](https://www.liveeasyco.ca/cdn-cgi/image/quality%3D85/assets/images/Blog-Images/Indigenous-Beauty/Blog-Indigenous-Beauty-3-80.jpg)
In solidarity with the Indigenous peoples in Canada, during July 2021, we will be highlighting Indigenous-owned beauty brands and founders on our Blog. Liv'Ez Co. acknowledges and pay respects to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations for allowing us to operate on their unceded territory in Vancouver, Canada.
Let's Meet: SEQUOIA PROUDLY INDIGENOUS.
Inspired by her grandmother's creativity through making cradleboards, beadwork, and hide work, Michaelee Lazore created Sequoia Proudly Indigenous, a sustainable and ethical beauty brand influenced by Indigenous stories and ingredients.
Michaelee Lazore. Copyright © 2021 Sequoia Proudly Indigenous.
The giant sequoia tree, also known as Sequoiadendron giganteum or the giant redwood tree, native to the western slopes on the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California —is the largest living tree species on earth as it lives up to thousands of years. Elsewhere in history, the Cherokee Nation Chief Sequoyah developed the Cherokee syllabary, and enabled reading and writing in the Cherokee language.
Moved by Chief Sequoyah's brilliance and contributions to the Cherokee Nation and language, and the strength and persistence of the giant sequioa tree, Michaelee Lazore chose the name, Sequoia, for her Indigenous-owned, sustainable, and ethical beauty brand in 2002.
Michaelee Lazore is Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Akwesáhsne and Northern Paiute in Nevada. As an engineer designing roads, sewers, and ditches during the day; Sequoia had its humble beginnings right in Michaelee's kitchen at night. Back in 2002, it was uncommon to find Indigenous beauty brands that utilized Indigenous medicine and knowledge in its products. She couldn't find her favourite Indigenous herbs that connected her to her culture, like sweetgrass, cedar, or sage in beauty products; which sparked her motivation to create her own and fulfill that need.
Beyond Indigenous herbs and medicine, Michaelee is also deeply inspired by her grandmother, who created cradleboards, beadwork, and hide work her entire life. She showed Michaelee that, as an Indigenous woman, she was capable of creating beautiful things, like the intricate incense and candle holders that Sequoia produces today alongside their bath and body products.
From their humble beginnings in Michaelee's kitchen, Sequoia Proudly Indigenous now offers beauty and wellness products all over Canada, as well as out of their boutique in Kahnawake, QC. Sequoia Proudly Indigenous has also been featured on BuzzFeed, Elle Canada, Lou Lou, Chatelaine, Flare, and Spirit magazines; demonstrating Indigenous excellence in sustainable beauty and entrepreneurship.
At Sequoia, you can find soaps, bath bombs, candles, lotions, lip balms, and gift sets; all inspired by Indigenous wisdom and legends, and 100% made in Canada.
Four Medicines Soaps. Copyright © 2021 Sequoia Proudly Indigenous.
Follow and Shop Sequoia Proudly Indigenous:
References:
Ngao, E & Perdigao, M. "10 Indigenous Fashion and Beauty Brands You Need to Have on Your Radar". Elle Canada. June 20, 2020.
Ono, J. "15 Indigenous Canadian Brands You Can Shop Online". BuzzFeed. December 13, 2020.
"Meet the Maker". Sequoia Proudly Indigenous.
"Meet the Team". Sequoia Proudly Indigenous.
"Press". Sequoia Proudly Indigenous.
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