"I'm Building Bougie Birch to Last 30+ Years" - On Reverse Engineering a Vision, Indigenous Economic Systems, and Why Starting Right Matters with Ashley Clark
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In this powerful episode of 'Power of Why,' host Naomi Haile sits down with Mohawk entrepreneur Ashley Clark, founder of Bougie Birch, to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, long-term thinking, and intentional entrepreneurship. Ashley shares her journey from managing dining services at a retirement home to launching a culturally grounded business that blends art, healing, and systemic change. Central to her philosophy is the 'Seven Generations' principle—making decisions with awareness of the past and future—alongside the Seven Grandfather Teachings, which emphasize humility, respect, and love. She emphasizes that true innovation comes from integrating identity into business, rejecting the 'hustle culture' in favor of relational, regenerative models. Ashley also discusses the importance of mentorship, legacy, and building a physical third space in Ottawa that will serve as a hub for experiential learning and community connection. Her message is clear: start from the end, think centuries ahead, and let your purpose guide every decision.
Design your business from the end goal backward—plan for longevity using the Seven Generations principle.
Integrate your identity and lived experience into your work; authenticity is your competitive advantage.
Prioritize relational, regenerative systems over profit-at-all-costs models.
Use humility and self-awareness in all interactions—both as a leader and a learner.
Measure impact beyond KPIs; ask: 'What kind of ancestor do I want to be?'
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Power of Starting When You See a Gap
“If it's not done, just do it. It's the time. The world's changing.”
From Burnout to Dream Catchers: The Birth of Bougie Birch
Ashley recounts her journey from workplace injury and burnout to discovering entrepreneurship through making dream catchers. Her first sale—a keychain for $10—became the spark for a larger vision.
Reversing the Blueprint: Building for 30 Years
“Track, write down, broad step and then start from the beginning and set it up that way from the start.”
Indigenous Wisdom as a Business Framework
“We've only tried this one way. Let's try another way.”
The Seven Generations Principle and Legacy Thinking
“Your decisions have been influenced from seven generations behind you and will influence seven generations ahead of you.”
“Your decisions have been influenced from seven generations behind you and will influence seven generations ahead of you.”
“What kind of ancestor do you want to be?”
“Track, write down, broad step and then start from the beginning and set it up that way from the start.”
Host
Guest
Ashley Clark
person
Bougie Birch
organization
Naomi Haile
person
Seven Generations Teaching
other
Mohawk
other
Invest Ottawa
organization
Seven Grandfather Teachings
other
Dream Catchers
other
Haudenosaunee
other
Ottawa
place
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