Bringing Joy and Opportunity to North Island Communities – Michelle Davis

Born and raised in Campbell River and deeply connected to coastal and Indigenous communities, Michelle balances her role as Community Wellness Manager for We Wai Kai Nation with operating her business, North Island Bouncy Castle Rentals.

What began as a simple idea for her son’s birthday, bringing a bouncy castle to a remote community, quickly grew into a seasonal business serving families across the North Island. From May through mid-September, the business brings recreation and celebration to communities with limited access to local entertainment.

Like many entrepreneurs, Michelle’s journey included challenges such as building a client base and competing with larger companies. Over time, those challenges helped shape a unique niche focused on serving remote and rural communities, turning obstacles into strengths.

With support from NEDC training and funding, Michelle has been able to grow her business sustainably and build confidence in areas such as marketing, budgeting, business development, and technology.

Michelle has built a team of Indigenous youth who support the setup, maintenance, and safe operation of her inflatables, providing valuable hands-on work experience alongside income. Through this work, youth gain more than just a paycheque, they build confidence, practical skills, and a strong understanding of workplace expectations. Supported by a respectful and positive environment, they are set up for success in future employment.

Looking ahead, Michelle is focused on mindful growth, expanding services for adults, exploring new opportunities, and continuing to bring joy and employment to Indigenous and remote communities.

“What started as something fun for my son has turned into a way for me to bring joy to kids across our Nations and create meaningful opportunities for our youth to learn and grow.” – Michelle Davis