By Birva P., Communications Crew
December 2, 2020
Sequoia is a proudly Indigenous brand that is 100% owned and operated by Indigenous women. Founded in 2002 by Michaelee Lazore who is Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Akwesáhsne (Quebec) and Northern Paiute from Nevada. The design, production, and packaging of all the products is done in the working studio locally. None of the manufacturing is outsourced. In order to keep the next seven generations in mind, the production is sustainable and ingredients are ethically sourced. The Indigenous-run business sells beautiful handmade soaps, candles, lip balms, and body care items. Though they are known for their specially designed soaps. Michaelee, the CEO of Sequoia, says one of her biggest inspirations to start her company was the lack of unique smells in common products like sage, cedar, and sweet grass. Her grandmother pushed her to take a leap of faith to start her own business and empowered her to do what she is passionate about. “I have been inspired my entire life by my grandmother, who made cradleboards, beadwork, and hide work all her life. I would not be running my own creative business if it were not for her.” - Michaelee.
Sequoia’s office and in person store is located at a First Nations reserve in Quebec; Kahnawake Mohawk Territory.
Products shown: 15HR Sky Woman Travel Candle ($10 CAD), Three Sisters Lip Balm ($7 CAD), Jingle Dress Hand Soap (gift)
Sky Woman Beeswax & Soy Wax Travel Candle
The first product I will be reviewing is the ‘Sky Woman Beeswax and Soy Wax Travel Candle’. They carry several more scents including: Sweetgrass, Red Clover, and Blackberry Sage. The description of the candle is just as magical as the product! “Topped with pearl blue mica, you'll be able to see the convection circles of the melted wax! Skywoman is a very unique scent - We couldn't wait to introduce it! It is a remarkable fragrance, starting with a mystical and citrus-like background. Under the notes you can sense the sweetness of fruits, the elegant soft fragrance of the exotic flowers, with a slight ocean spray, just touching the air.” This description perfectly depicts the candle; a beautiful baby blue finish, a breezy ocean scent, and a mystical feeling. The candle is so aesthetically pleasing to look at, when lit the pearly blue mica melts smoothly to a shimmery clear wax with hints of earthy blue tones. Instantly the room is filled with such calm and cozy vibes, this candle gives off so much tranquility and serotonin. The smell is a mix of citrus and floral fragrances, it is powerful but not overwhelming. The candle is super waxy in the best way. Super even and is silky by touch this improves the sleek look of the candle as well.
Zoom in on the lit flame to see the shimmery pearlescent blue.
The second product purchased from Sequoia is the Three Sisters Lip Balm which is their latest scent! The balm is fall themed with notes of pumpkin pie and cinnamon. The Salve soothes dry lips, is made with organic olive oil organic shea butter, includes 100% edible ingredients, and 99% natural ingredients. All Sequoia lip balms are handcrafted, not tested on animals, and paraben free. The smell is super flavourful and is very fall inspired. It smells like a sweet walnutty pumpkin pastry! The lip balm is extremely soft and comforting on the lips, remarkably light as it glides smoothly. The texture is super delicate and lustrous. Packaged in a seasonal fall sticker makes the lip balm that much better!
Jingle Dress Soap
The last Sequoia product came as an extra! I received a small travel sized handmade ‘Jingle Dress’ soap! There are plenty of other beautifully designed and fragranced soaps from you to choose from as well. The soap is uniquely designed and has a marble look to it, the smell is like a breath of fresh air. It reminds me of walking through a lavender garden! It is also super gentle on the skin and is not very harsh, it leaves my skin soft and supple. The Lullaby Soap is next on my list!
Jingle Dress Soap is pictured on the left and Lullaby Soap is on the right.
To order Sequoia products visit shop.sequoia.ca