More than a decade ago, CreativeMornings was launched out of a desire for ongoing, accessible events for creative communities to connect. Today, these communities gather in 223 cities across 67 countries — including right here in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg chapter of CreativeMornings not only celebrates our city’s creative talent, but also promotes an open space to connect with like-minded individuals. From marketing legends to hometown heroes, speakers are selected by each chapter based on a global theme. This month’s theme is MONUMENTAL: what will you bear witness to? What will you leave behind when you’re gone? We each have stories and creativity to share – and what we do and how we do it not only impacts our lives but also the lives around us.

Sean Rayland, a graduate of RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship program, is CreativeMornings Winnipeg’s speaker on Friday, February 25 from 8:15 – 9:30 a.m. CT. You won’t want to miss his talk: Making Monumental Change – one t-shirt at a time. He’ll be sharing about his experience as an ex-gang member and recovering addict who now runs a successful social enterprise as owner of Indigenous-led clothing company Red Rebel Armour.

The definition of a self-starter, Rayland started Red Rebel Armour after learning graphic design, screen printing, and basic business skills through YouTube tutorials. But he knew he wanted to take Red Rebel Armour further – so he enrolled in RRC Polytech’s Indigenous Social Entrepreneurship program to learn how to grow his brand and business.

Out of a desire to help reduce the risk of reoffending and replace gang culture with healthier community, Rayland modeled Red Rebel Armour as a social enterprise, meaning it’s a community-based business that sells goods in the marketplace to achieve a social, cultural and/or environmental purpose (e.g. reducing recidivism). Red Rebel Armour reinvests profits to maximize its social mission, while grounding its business practices in traditional Indigenous ways of knowing. You can learn more about Rayland’s time as a student at RRC Polytech here.

Red Rebel Armour represents a monumental shift in Rayland’s life that has monumental impacts on the community. You’ll hear Sean’s story on the 25th, as well as music from guest singer Ila Barker. You’ll also have the chance to network with other brilliant minds from Winnipeg’s creative community. As always, CreativeMornings Winnipeg events are free to attend. You won’t want to miss it!

The motto of CreativeMornings is “everyone is creative, everyone is welcome” – a perfect fit for Friendly Manitoba. Register now to attend Rayland’s virtual presentation on February 25.