By Felicia Greekas

Shain Jackson, owner of Spirit Works Limited has been in operation for three years. Taking the leap from Aboriginal law into creating pieces of art might seem like a far stretch, but according to Shain he is still doing much of the same, advocating for and making a voice for Aboriginal people.  He’s working to create a strong community of Aboriginal artists and entrepreneurs, building the community through his creations.

By Felicia Greekas

Shain Jackson, owner of Spirit Works Limited has been in operation for three years. Taking the leap from Aboriginal law into creating pieces of art might seem like a far stretch, but according to Shain he is still doing much of the same, advocating for and making a voice for Aboriginal people.  He’s working to create a strong community of Aboriginal artists and entrepreneurs, building the community through his creations.

While practicing law and being involved in human and Aboriginal rights cases, Shain knew he wanted to do something else. With his involvement in creating art and design from a young age, Shain now gets to do what he loves regularly.

When making the decision to switch careers, Shain tells me “I wanted to do something more community oriented. I was always interested in doing my artwork and wanted to see if I could make a living from it.”

Originally, Spirit Works Limited created the spirit hut, a beautifully created hut with design and precision in the details – but it didn’t take off as expected. After interviewing different artists and elders, Shain began creating a line of authentic Aboriginal products. “We define our line as authentic Aboriginal products that are designed, produced and distributed by Aboriginal people.”

From his experience and passion for art from a young age, Shain also brings manufacturing experience. His grandfather’s company then, Classic Cedar, produced high end cedar patio furniture where Shain used to visit and watch the process his grandfather set up.

Now with his own company, offering a range of products and prices from $25 to $5,000 plus, Spirit Works creates traditional paddles, bentwood boxes, jewellery, masks and panels and is now moving towards workshops making traditional regalia and art pieces such as drums, wristbands, rattles, and button blankets. Shain knows the importance of his culture and would like to share that through his products and services.

Targeting tourists and corporate businesses has been done mostly done, up until now, through word-of-mouth; Now Spirit Works has come out with a catalogue to further promote its gifting products and full line of wide range products.

With a focus on community, Spirit Works Limited takes on more than the bottom line approach. The company has created partnerships with ACCESS to support employment and training for those who want to learn more about joinery or Indigenous art – or both.  It has also partnered with organizations such as Urban Native Youth Association and the Vancouver Friendship Center to provide cultural workshops to at-risk youth.

Also, a quarter of the 4,000 square foot studio Spirit Works resides in is donated to local Aboriginal artists so they too can take on larger projects and have access to tools they may otherwise would not have.

 “I’ve got a big vision for the company.” Shain says, and wants to create networks of Aboriginal artists and enjoys the collaboration process in creating something different.

What advice would Shain give to young entrepreneurs? “Start small. Your eyes shouldn’t be bigger than your stomach” He says with a chuckle. “It’s good now and things are looking up but I wish I would have started smaller.”

What’s his favourite part of the creation process, “Mostly design,” Shain says, “The initial design then the finishing touches and when you really see something come to fruition.”

Like any other business it comes with unique challenges, for Spirit Works it was money, “Overhead is a massive challenge. Competing with products that are made off shore is also a challenge. Encouraging people to buy Canadian is challenging but promoting authenticity of products is the best way to offset that.”

With business progressively getting better he’s been happy that Spirit Works has grown through the recession. The “massive support” Shain has received from family, from “everybody and anybody” as he puts it, has been incredible. He currently has 4 employees plus himself working in his business.

What keeps him going and drives him to work independently as an entrepreneur? “The dream that one day I won’t have to work independently as much.” He says swiftly. “I’ve never been able to do a 9-5 job, I have a big vision for what this place will be which includes a profitable business and community orientation.”

With a clear vision for Spirit Works, Shain tells me, “I want it to be a place where artists can come together and develop a new art; a whole new genre of art that comes out of our studio. I haven’t seen a lot of that, a microcosm of creativity. I love collaborating with other artists, 90% is collaboration and something new always comes out.”

With the ups and downs of a new business, Shain tells me the past year has been significant, “It’s made us realize that we can survive, even in a hostile economic climate. There are people out there who want true Aboriginal products and we can compete against offshore products. There are people who want stuff made in Canada. And if we can survive it that bodes well for other Canadian companies.”

When he was first thinking of his business he had heard about TACC through his sister where Shain has been able to get help financially but adds, “TACC has been very supportive in every way, going above and beyond with a hands on approach, visiting and offering moral support.”

From his lifelong experience and “100%” passion for art, Shain Jackson has chosen a great path following that passion to create a company with a big vision. A vision as a profitable business and more importantly community focused; ensuring the significance of his culture has a strong stance in the community. “I’m a Coast Salish Man, doing Coast Salish work on Coast Salish Territory. I have to be involved and give back to the Aboriginal community I’m doing business in.”

Shain truly gets to do what he loves while supporting community involvement and awareness. Although he concedes that in order to survive Spirit Works has had to tackle everything from corporate gifting to building elaborate board room tables and ornate doors, Shain has not been disheartened: “As long as I get to continue being and artist, and surrounded by the wonderful and talented folks I’ve been blessed in knowing, I will be truly fulfilled”.

For Christmas 2010 Spirit Works is opening its private gallery/gift shop to the public, and is also visiting businesses to offer authentic Aboriginal gifts direct from the source.  Anyone interested is asked to call Spirit Works to arrange suitable times.

Shain Jackson
President, Spirit Works Limited
www.spiritworkslimited.com
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604-982-0024