Business profile: Angie Chief
- EFN Staff | October 24, 2014
Angie Chief-Wuttunee is one of those people with a great skill set that is in high demand in the community. A graphic artist, Angie worked for several different organizations until she mustered up the courage to go out on her own. Now, instead of punching the time clock at work, Angie is out hustling up clients and building Chief Graphic Design and Production. We caught up to the busy entrepreneur via internet in North Battleford and posed her a few questions about business.
EFN: Why did you decide to go into business on your own?
Angie Chief-Wuttunee: I have been employed in various First Nations and Non-First Nations organizations for approximately fifteen years of my life. I feel that I have obtained enough experience and the contacts, as an administrative assistant and coordinator, to be able to sustain my business.
EFN: What skills did you pick up in previous jobs that are valuable in your own business?
Angie Chief-Wuttunee: Working for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Sports, Culture, Youth & Recreation department gave me the opportunity to do some graphic arts for various sporting events. Also, as one of the lead coordinators for the Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games hosted by my community of Onion Lake Cree Nation, I was able to develop our own forms (volunteer recruitment, trade show, etc.). I also was the Copy Centre Lead when I was employed with Staples in North Battleford, SK. This gave me plenty of opportunity to utilize my graphic skills with various customers that needed that type of work.
EFN: What kind of supports did you find in the community to help start the business?
Angie Chief-Wuttunee: The North Battleford Northwest Community Futures Mentorship Program have been instrumental in getting me started with my business. The support I received was beneficial and I feel that I would not be where I am, if not for that program.
EFN: What were the biggest challenges?
Angie Chief-Wuttunee: I think one of my biggest challenges is getting established as a graphic artist and developing a clientele.
EFN: What is the best thing about being self-employed? Worst thing?
Angie Chief-Wuttunee: The best thing about being self-employed is being your own boss and being able to work from home, at your leisure. The worst thing is not having a steady income because, now that we are home-owners, we cannot miss any mortgage payments.
EFN: Any tips to folks who want to open their own businesses?
Angie Chief-Wuttunee: Just go for it! A lot of our First Nations people are intimidated by the amount of work it takes to begin their own business, not knowing how easy it actually is. Ensure that you have the support from your loved ones so that you can gain the confidence you need to make such a big step in your life. Good Luck to all!!!