Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind Indigenous Box

Married couple Mallory and Kham Yawnghwe are an entrepreneurial team driven by the concept of "thinking outside of the box" and a shared passion for dreaming BIG - with intention. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021—after many late-night conversations—they decided to merge their talents and create a hub for accessible Indigenous goods from across Turtle Island.

Thus came the inception of Indigenous Box, their joint venture shaped by a stint on APTN’s Bear's Lair, Mallory's business degree, Kham's leadership and strong musical roots—the heartbeat of their impactful collaboration. What began in their basement with just 100 boxes has grown into a thriving enterprise, shipping thousands of Indigenous-made artisan goods across North America and beyond.

Before we go ahead and sit down to hear more about their unique story, we have something very important to share.

But first, prize giveaway

To honour Truth and Reconciliation Month, we’re proud to partner with Indigenous Box for a $100 gift card giveaway.

Indigenous Box drives economic reconciliation by creating opportunities for emerging, under-represented and established Indigenous businesses to reach new customers and enter new market spaces.

Enter the giveaway here → link.onefeather.ca/giveaway_tr

And now, come join us in circle as we share the story of this remarkable pair.

Mal and Kham, Indigenous Box was a long time coming; what gave you the final push to make it happen?

Kham: We were very blessed to have a lot of early success with Indigenous Box; it’s a mission that people find it very easy to get behind. But we’ve always said: overnight success takes a long time!

We dreamed of running a business for over a decade, but didn’t have the confidence or belief in ourselves until much more recently.

What we did have was a growth mindset; we believed that if we kept trying, bit by bit, we could change ourselves and our lives. And that’s what we did. Finally, we realized that we would never feel ready to start a business because ready isn’t a feeling. Instead, we just started, knowing that we would learn and grow as we go.

That’s so inspiring! We’re bursting to know — what was your Bear’s Lair experience like, and did it help shape Indigenous Box’s journey?

Mallory: Participating in the first season of Bear’s Lair was a lot of fun. It was a great opportunity to refine how we share our message. Indigenous Box can’t exist without community and connection, especially with other Indigenous entrepreneurs. It was really special to spend time with all of the other participants, judges, and producers, some of whom have become long-time friends and even suppliers.

Quick detour out of curiosity, Kham — what's music got to do with it?!

Kham: I like to say that I am the drummer at Indigenous Box. Through my years as a professional musician, I’ve learned that the role of the drummer is to create the conditions for magic to happen.

More than just keeping the beat, our job is to support in a way that puts the ensemble at ease while simultaneously propelling the music forward. That’s what I do at Indigenous Box. In my experience, musicians are highly agile, adaptable, creative, and collaborative. We have to be. This makes many of us well suited for entrepreneurship.

Sounds like perfect harmony! How does the business work — from both the vendor and customer perspectives?

Mallory: Our purpose is to connect Indigenous businesses and their products with customers who care. We purchase goods directly from Indigenous vendors at fair, sustainable rates and manage forecasting, inventory, warehousing, packing, and shipping, while sharing each maker’s story so their brand and impact shine through.

Customers can choose from curated gift boxes, build-your-own boxes, seasonal subscription boxes, mystery boxes, or large custom and corporate gifts, all delivered through a seamless, one-stop experience that supports the growth of Indigenous businesses and the wider Indigenous supply chain.

What changes, if any, have you noticed your marketplace bringing to communities, businesses, or the broader Indigenous economic ecosystem?

Kham: We are proud to say that our business has contributed to many of our suppliers’ businesses in their growth and scaling journey. Whether through mentorship, collaborative problem-solving, encouragement, and, of course, our orders, our suppliers have grown alongside us.

Every year there are more and more Indigenous businesses emerging. After all, Indigenous Peoples in Canada are the youngest, fastest-growing population segments, and are starting businesses at several times the national average. We plan to be a part of this trajectory for many years to come.

Any words of advice to inspire Indigenous entrepreneurs forging their own paths?

Mallory: When I first brought Kham home to meet my family, my dad took him hunting. They got a moose and took it to my late mosum wapatu (Cree for "grandfather"), who helped them butcher and dry the meat. Kham got stuck trying to cut through the breastbone with a hunting knife. Seeing his frustration, my mosum stopped and told him, "You have to find the spot where it cuts through easily; there is a way to do it.” He told Kham about how he survived one winter stuck on a remote trapline, by himself, after breaking his leg. My mosum told Kham, “For everything, there is a way to do it, but you have to believe it’s possible. If you think it’s possible, then it is.” Kham tried again, but this time his knife found the notch and slid through like butter.

We want young entrepreneurs to know that if they believe something is possible, then it is, and no one can believe for you. You have to do that part yourself.

As we close, we ask: what does Truth and Reconciliation Month mean to you?

Mallory: Truth and Reconciliation is complex and multifaceted. I see the movement as an opportunity to effect systemic change that is relatable to who I am as a nehiyaw iskawew (meaning “Cree woman”). It's an opportunity for me to educate Canadians on my truth, the legacy I carry, and provide continuation of the values I have inherited.

Gila'kasla— Thank you, Mallory and Kham, for sharing your inspiring story with us during this important month of truth, reflection, and reconciliation.

➡️ Follow Indigenous Box and explore their website—featuring "build-your-own" and curated boxes, and individual Indigenous-made items.

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