Honoring Women in Business: Mary Mackenzie of Mary Mack Creations

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in business—especially Indigenous women who carry forward culture through their craft. One such woman is Simpcw artisan Mary Mackenzie, the creative force behind Mary Mack Creations.

Mary’s work is more than just handcrafted art—it’s a reflection of cultural heritage, storytelling, and deep-rooted traditions. Specializing in beadwork, sewing, knitting, and crocheting, she skillfully blends traditional techniques with contemporary style, creating stunning beaded earrings, ribbon dresses, custom tote bags, and more. Each piece tells a story, weaving together generations of knowledge and artistry.

A striking example of her meaningful work is her self-designed Ribbon Dress, created to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and to commemorate Orange Shirt Day.

As we recognize International Women’s Day, we also acknowledge the barriers that women—especially Indigenous women—face in business. Despite these challenges, women like Mary continue to thrive, preserving tradition while building a future for the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs. Supporting female-owned businesses isn’t just about commerce; it’s about empowerment, representation, and ensuring that Indigenous artistry continues to flourish.