Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Entrepreneurship and business is something I have been passionate about for as long as I can remember. If I am being honest, it’s a path I would have wanted to take early in life, yet decided not to because I felt that I could make a greater difference in the world by working in the field of human rights. For many years I focused on children rights, peace, and conflict resolution strategies at micro and macro levels. Having experienced war and conflict first hand my career and education pathway I pivoted towards focused on creating a holistic and human centric approach to the challenges children faced in conflict areas around the world. I quickly learned that we don’t have to look further than our own selves for wisdom and solutions—both on a global and personal scale. A solution that I still believe in today based on the knowledge and experiences of people themselves. Along the way, I had the opportunity to work alongside individuals and cultures from around the world which allowed me to meet many inspirational creators and artisans. Through these meaningful meetings, a common thread was always present —a message that became louder the more people I met: “although we possess valuable skills and experiences, tapping into the global market presents a challenge.” Regardless of their willingness and capability. Our current systems create a clear narrative to displaced people and marginalized communities “you are not enough” you are not worthy enough to enter our value system (capitalism) consisting of the trade of goods and services. This led to my desire to develop a vision for an inclusive brand that paid its people fairly and pursued higher standards for sustainable business Long story short, I left my career and here we are—Unapologetically myself . Trying to change and disrupt the narrative in business. More collaboration less competition. And space for everyone. As a woman specially a Latina migrant refugee I’ve had to jump through hoops to get to where I am right now. It’s important to me that someone else out there in my shoes sees my my story and feels seen and represented. Navigating the business world as a Latina woman is tough but I’m here to break stereotypes and redefine the way we do business and how see and treat women in positions of power.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

The most clear example of this love and support happened this past December 2023. After realizing that it was not financially possible for me to continue open anymore I made the hard heartbreaking decision to close the business. As a self financed woman, the pandemic was extremely hard. Despite all of my efforts I didn't have the financial means to carry on with business or even covering my own needs. It was a very tough decision to make and I made it public on IG in November. 2023 was a tough year for everyone. For me it went something like this: - By the summertime I made peace with the idea of having to close Treeline - By the fall I was ready to fight my biggest fight and do everything I could to save it! I was not going down without giving it my all. - By December I lost my baby and was in and out of the hospital with complications. My whole world collapsed. I was in pain and couldn’t do anything for Treeline despite everything I tried. Then something really special happened. My family and friends mobilized in ways I couldn’t have ever imagined. They helped me run the business, do my social media, feed me, hold my hand all while I was in the hospital. I received heaps of encouraging messages from strangers and other small businesses shining a lithe amidst the darkness I was in. Fast forward to February 2024, Treeline has been given the opportunity to open a little shop in downtown Squamish. As part of the Collective I will be able to have products from other small businesses from around the world (more to come on this). The most important thing is that I couldn’t have done it without all of your ongoing support. Thank you! It’s not going to be easy—it never has been easy, but I know is it will be worth it. I refuse to give up. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. Behind every business there is a human being and within that human being there is a story to be told. Thank you for listening to mine.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Treeline Collective stands at the forefront of not just the outdoor gear and lifestyle market, but also at the nexus of environmental stewardship, ethical business practices, and community support. Our commitment to these principles is unwavering, and it's with this ethos that we approach the hope to win this award and continue to grow in our journey.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Treeline Collective is a very small company still. The Director is still the only full time employee. But sustainability and ethics are at the forefront of our operations. Social: When it comes to hiring new employees or partnering with other companies abroad, we are adamant about increasing the inclusion and representation of underrepresented populations such as new immigrants (refugees), women, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ individuals, etc. Economic: by paying fair living wages we strive to help reduce poverty, income inequality by supporting underrepresented groups and micro-small and medium-sized enterprises such as our blanket artisans in Ecuador. We have been working with the same family for years now. Environmental: through our 1% for the planet commitment every year we drive part of our profits towards the conservation and protection of the planet we live in. We also strive to use compostable packaging, organic and recycled materials in everything that we do. At Treeline Collective everyone is welcome. Through our ads, photography and messaging it is our purpose and mission for everyone to feel seen and represented.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Honestly, I did not think I would be here with a little storefront open after almost closing down this December. I am so proud of myself but it is still very tough. Although for the first time in many years I can finally see the light, there is more to do. I came to Canada as a refugee and understand how difficult it is to find employment when you are so scared from being in a new country where everything is different. I want to grow enough so that I can offer job opportunities to new immigrants and serve as a mentor to newcomers in Canada. I want Treeline Collective to be a platform where people come to learn about the environment and what actions we can take day to day to contribute to its protection. Through Treeline I want to increase visibility and representation of ALL people in the outdoors--so that when people look at our website or marketing materials they feel seen represented and safe. I want to continue organizing events, so that Treeline is a place for people to come together in addition to selling products. All while doing business ethically and sustainable in the countries we work in. As a collective I want to work together with other small businesses and help each other grow. I want to become the example I wish I had when I was a little girl.