Shane Kejick, an Indigenous fashion designer, faced a setback in his plans to showcase his designs at GTA Christmas markets and a pop-up shop after a recent robbery. His Toyota SUV, which contained merchandise and production equipment for his clothing line Neechie by Nature, was stolen from his mother’s street in suburban Montreal on November 25.
Kejick expressed his distress over the situation, realizing the loss of not just his vehicle but also crucial design equipment like his sewing machine, 3D printer, media gear, and inventory. Having dedicated nine years to building his brand, Kejick operates his business on a modest budget, making this theft particularly devastating.
The robbery has caused Kejick to miss out on sales opportunities at Christmas markets in Toronto, where he was set to collaborate with the Big Canoe Indigenous Market pop-up. The absence of his presence and merchandise has disrupted the supply chain, leaving some shoppers without the opportunity to purchase his unique Indigenous designs.
Jared Bigcanoe, who partnered with Neechie by Nature for the market, highlighted the impact of such losses on small businesses during the crucial Christmas shopping season. The incident not only results in financial strain through inventory losses but also disrupts operations and hampers business growth.
To support Kejick in recovering from the theft, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help him replace the stolen items and mitigate the impact on his business.