Shane Kejick, a talented Indigenous fashion designer, faced a major setback when his plans to showcase his creations at GTA Christmas markets and a pop-up shop were derailed by a recent robbery. In a distressing incident last month, Kejick’s Toyota SUV, parked on his mother’s suburban Montreal street, was stolen along with valuable merchandise and equipment crucial for his clothing line, Neechie by Nature.
Recalling the unsettling moment when he discovered his absence of his vehicle, Kejick shared, “I realized my vehicle was no longer there, so that was kind of nerve-racking. I decided to call the authorities, thought maybe it had been towed, but it didn’t make sense because that spot is always good and I’ve never been towed there before.” The theft not only deprived him of his vehicle but also his design equipment, sewing machine, 3D printer, media gear, gimbal, and inventory, dealing a significant blow to his budding business.
Having dedicated the past nine years to building his brand, Kejick’s entrepreneurial journey has faced a setback at a crucial time. As a member of the Indigenous community, the ability to own and operate a business is a relatively recent development, making the loss even more devastating given the limited resources available.
With missed opportunities at Christmas markets in Toronto, Kejick’s absence has been felt by collaborators like Jared Bigcanoe, who had partnered with Neechie by Nature to offer unique items to shoppers. The absence of Kejick and his merchandise at the Big Canoe Indigenous Market pop-up in Mississauga has led to supply chain challenges, leaving shoppers searching for that perfect gift.
The Christmas shopping season holds immense importance for small businesses, and the financial impact of losing inventory and missing key personnel during this period is significant. Jared Bigcanoe emphasized the importance of community support during challenging times, highlighting the need to rally together to ensure the survival of businesses like Kejick’s.
In response to the unfortunate incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Kejick in replacing the stolen items and overcoming this setback.
