Mi’kmaq artist branching out.

Marketing to U.S., Asian markets key to growing Waycobah woman’s business

Loretta Gould knows how to work Facebook. She has used the social media site to market her Indigenous-inspired clothing line to parts of Europe including Germany and Finland.

Her website has only been in operation for about eight months.

“It just happened,” said the 42-year-old mother of six children. “I had friends living (overseas) already and I think when they shared (my Facebook posts), everybody else sees the post. And that’s how it got expanded.”

Her website has been doing well, she said, but she wants to take it to the next level by moving into the U.S. and Asian markets.

But she needs help to do that. It was one of the main reasons Gould attended the Think Export Navigating Opportunities Worldwide (NOW) Conference at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on Tuesday.

While she’s savvy in using Facebook and also uses Twitter and Instagram to a lesser extent, she doesn’t have training in other online marketing methods that could be useful in

expanding her reach.

“I’m not familiar with the online sales and I want to do the marketing online. That’s the only thing I never taught myself to do. I do online Facebook advertisements but that’s the

only thing I do — that’s the only thing I know how to do.”

If Gould is able to increase her market penetration, she wants to ultimately set up the manufacturing end of the business in her hometown of Waycobah

First Nation.

Right now, the products — tank tops, yoga leggings, scarves and tote bags — are made by hand at a factory in Quebec.

Gould wants to create employment in her own community,

which some have said may take five years, however Gould is more optimistic in saying it could happen much sooner.

“It’s just a matter of getting out there and actually asking for help. I’m here at the NOW session. I’m hoping that people will see me and actually help me out,” she said.

She said there is a strong niche market for Indigenous printed clothing and accessories.

“It’s becoming more popular especially in our area. Overseas in Germany, and in Australia, and in all these places, it’s becoming very popular.”

CHRIS SHANNON/CAPE BRETON POST Loretta Gould, a painter who has used her art as inspiration for her clothing line, displays some of the clothing available on her website. Gould was one of four women who participated in a panel discussion on exporting to markets outside Nova Scotia...