Second-time success for First Nations retailer – Vancouver Sun

July 9, 2015

‘Stop, drop and roll’ strategy helped Michelle Nahanee find triumph in defeat

Never say die. Michelle Nahanee’s dream business, an indigenous-inspired tea shop, lasted all of two weeks before she closed its East Vancouver doors earlier this year.

Yesterday, the Squamish Nation retailer opened The Capilano Tea House and Botanical Soda Company for a second time — at the swanky new McArthur Glen Designer Outlet near Vancouver International Airport.

“It’s always hard to admit you’ve made a mistake,” said Nahanee, 46, a communications consultant and graphic artist who grew up on North Vancouver’s Squamish Nation reserve.

Nahanee and her cousin, both single mothers, had dreamed up the original tea house concept with their young adult daughters in mind.

Read More: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/smallbusiness/Second+time+success+First+Nations+retailer/11202146/story.html