Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

TALOYOAK/SPENCE BAY
Throat singer and Junior Canadian Ranger Wendy Alookee will soon add "young entrepreneur" to her resume as she prepares to start selling homemade kamiik and mitts.

Wendy Alookee, a high school student at Netsilik School in Taloyoak, recently received a grant to start her own business selling kamiik and mitts. - photo courtesy of Gina Pizzo

The high school student decided to start a new business after the community's economic development officer announced on the radio that funding is available for sewers and carvers. She said she applied, without realizing the money was to start a small business. Alookee said she will sew and sell sealskin kamiik and mitts for children, men and women, likely starting this spring.

"When I heard it was for a little business, I was kind of scared but I thought I could do it because I'm learning how to sew and I've been sewing for a while now and I feel pretty good about it," she said.

Born and raised in Taloyoak, Alookee is a Grade 10 student at Netsilik School.

A teacher will help her set up a website to showcase and sell her products, said Alookee. The still-unnamed small business will be a good learning experience, added Alookee, because she really enjoys sewing. She credits her grandmother for helping her sew. As for fellow youths, Alookee said they have to keep trying for what they want.

"Even if you're scared, just go for it and try anything new and different and feel good about yourself," she said.

Community economic development officer Loy Lacson said Alookee will receive a $2,100 grant to start her business and enhance her skills.

"She has the enthusiasm," he said. "That's what we are looking for, for young entrepreneurs to be young artists."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.