West Coast Wildflowers is an Indigenous, female powered gift shop along the Salish Sea in Campbell River. Founded in 2020 by Wet’suwet’en entrepreneur Alissa Assu, West Coast Wildflowers began as a small holiday pop-up during the COVID-19 pandemic with a simple vision: to create a welcoming space where Indigenous artists, makers and entrepreneurs could share their work alongside Canadian artisans while strengthening local economies.
The success of West Coast Wildflowers has become the foundation for Alissa’s broader entrepreneurial journey. Through its growth, she has gone on to acquire and expand several businesses, including RavenSong Soap & Candle, an internationally recognized artisan botanical soap company; Bear Essential Oils, a Canadian essential oil and wellness brand; and Little Wildflowers, a children’s boutique created to celebrate play, inclusion and family.
As an Indigenous entrepreneur, community builder and advocate, Alissa has always believed that business can be a powerful vehicle for reconciliation, cultural revitalization and economic prosperity. Her work extends beyond retail by creating employment opportunities, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, partnering with Indigenous artists, supporting community organizations and investing in initiatives that strengthen Indigenous economies for future generations.
