Image: Sequoia Gift Box, courtesy of sequoia.ca.
Sequoia Proudly Indigenous is pleased to share that March 19, 2024 will be our 20th Anniversary and we could not be more proud of this achievement for a female owned business during Women’s History Month.
“I cannot believe it’s been 20 years. I did name the business Sequoia as a symbol of longevity and it looks like that has stood the test of time. I am so beyond thankful to every single customer, friend, family, employee and my loving communities for all the support over the years,” said President/Owner Michaelee Lazore.
Though Sequoia was officially registered as a business in 2002 and Lazore was experimenting with home parties and powwows, Sequoia was just a hobby for the full-time Engineer. It wasn’t until March 19, 2004 when Michaelee decided to open the flagship Sequoia store that the Sequoia business officially began.
“The first products I ever made were soaps and they continue to be my main passion and where I am able to express my artistic side and share bits of our culture,” said Lazore.
Today, Sequoia offers soaps, lip balms, candles, lotions, mists, melts, incense, foot treatment, scrubs and more, all of which are inspired by Lazore’s culture. She is Mohawk from Akwesasne, NY/Ont and Paiute from Pyramid Lake, Nevada, though the Sequoia business is operated in her current home town in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, on the south shore of Montreal, Quebec, where she has lived more than half her life.
For the 20th Anniversary, the Sequoia store will be holding a special all day event on Tuesday, March 19 at The Kahnawake Business Complex (2 River Road, Kahnawake, Qc J0L-1B0 from 10 am – 5 pm) and all are welcome to attend and help us celebrate. There will be special activities and a few surprises. Those who cannot make it can check out our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages for posts during the event (@sequoiasoaps)
