Located on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, a new business is bridging traditional Indigenous knowledge with the growing demand for sustainable, plant-based skincare. Rachel Jannati has blended her life experiences, ancestral teachings, and a passion for wild agriculture to create a unique product line that deeply honours both the land and culture. But the journey to success wasn’t without its challenges—challenges that were met with support from the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets Hatch + Hype program.
Rachel describes her entrepreneurial path as shaped by both her Indigenous heritage and a desire to share the traditional knowledge passed down by her Skwxwú7mesh elders. “I wanted to share and teach Indigenous medicinal plant-based skincare while practicing wild agriculture with respect to the land,” she explained. “This was a way to honour my ancestors and contribute to the community by blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness trends.”
Starting a business without significant capital posed immediate hurdles. “As a new business, I didn’t have the funds to purchase any equipment,” the entrepreneur admits. That’s where the Hatch + Hype program came in. This initiative, which helps early-stage businesses gain the support and resources they need to launch and grow within the BC farmers’ market scene, proved invaluable. “The program really helped me kick-start my business and offered so much support,” they say, citing mentorship, business planning, and financial resources as key factors that helped them overcome initial obstacles.
Like any new business endeavour, 4 Sacred Skincare is not without its ongoing challenges. One of the biggest is managing the rapidly increasing demand for their products. “I’m having a hard time keeping up with consumer demand. The request is higher than I can formulate,” she shares. The balance between crafting quality, small-batch skincare products and scaling up production is a delicate one, but it’s a challenge the entrepreneur is eager to meet.
A central part of the business’s growth strategy is its presence at local farmers’ markets. These markets are not just a place to sell products—they are a platform for education and sharing knowledge. Rachel explains, “I wanted to teach consumers about Indigenous plant identification and medicinal compounds. It’s about more than just selling products; it’s about sharing knowledge and respecting the land.”
Core values are central to their mission. Ethical picking practices, land-based healing, and hiring Indigenous employees are among the priorities that define 4 Sacred Skincare. Additionally, 5% of proceeds are donated to the Residential School Survivors (RSS) program. Looking to the future, Rachel Jannati hopes to expand into the greater Vancouver area, open a storefront, and create more educational opportunities for youth. “I want to generate more employment opportunities and continue teaching the next generation about our land-based healing practice.”
During the 2024 BC Farmers’ Market summer season, 4 Sacred Skincare could be found at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. You can find out more about them and where they’ll be next on their website. We wish them continued success!