Building Businesses Rooted in Culture and Community – Alissa Assu

Alissa Assu’s story is rooted in strong cultural identity and family. She was registered to the Nisga’a Nation through her grandfather, with deep ties to the Nass River Valley communities, and was later transfered to the Laksamshu (Fireweed and Owl) Clan of the Wet’suwet’en through her Derrick/Joseph family in Witset. Raised with traditional teachings of respect, storytelling, and ceremony, and shaped by her father’s journey from Vietnam into Wet’suwet’en culture, she carries a deep responsibility to honour her full story and community.

In 2020, she founded West Coast Wildflowers and has since grown into the owner of four businesses: West Coast Wildflowers, Little Wildflowers, Bear Essential Oils, and RavenSong Soap and Candles. Earlier this year, she officially became the 100% shareholder of RavenSong Soap and Candle.

Alissa has navigated rapid growth alongside challenges including COVID-19, shifting regulations, and personal health barriers but celebrating 15 years with her kidney transplant. Despite this, she remains focused on creating opportunity for others, mentoring Indigenous women, fostering inclusive employment, and building values-driven businesses. With support from NEDC, she strengthened her operations and infrastructure for long-term sustainability. Her dream is to build strong, successful businesses that she can one day sell to her Nation, supporting continued economic prosperity and long-term community empowerment.