Dec. 29, 2025

At nine years old, Algonquin youth Mya Beaudry of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation transformed her creativity and respect for history, culture, and community into Kokom Scrunchies, now reaching new horizons through a partnership with The North West Company.

Established in 2019, Kokom Scrunchies was inspired by the strong women leaders and role models in Mya’s life. The name “Kokom,” meaning grandmother, honours the matriarchs who continue to shape and strengthen their communities.

Pictured above: Mya Beaudry, founder and CEO of Kokom Scrunchies.

Looking to grow her business, Mya and her mother Marcie Beaudry, now President of Kokom Scrunchies, reached out through the North West Company website, working closely with North West’s merchandising team to introduce Kokom’s original scrunchies to our Northern Canada markets in spring 2025. Since then, more than 500 of Mya’s beautifully crafted pieces have been sold across our Northern and NorthMart stores. This partnership has expanded to include quality-assured lanyards, scarves, and other accessories. Along with the year-round assortment available in stores, Kokom products are now also featured in Northern’s Gift Shop Program.

Customer demand continues to grow as more shoppers discover Kokom’s one-of-a-kind, culturally inspired designs across our Northern and NorthMart locations.

Mya’s entrepreneurial journey and her creative designs celebrating Indigenous culture and community through strong, meaningful partnerships inspire and support future generations of young innovators—and The North West Company is proud to support that journey.