Taijah Abotossaway, Indigenous Beauty and Wellness Spa Owner
My name is Taijah Abotossaway, and I’m the proud founder of Gwanaajiwi, a wellness and aesthetics business that blends beauty with cultural care. Gwanaajiwi offers body cavitation, microdermabrasion, facials, chemical peels, and soon, laser treatments. But more than just a service menu, it’s a space rooted in healing, identity, and self-love. As an Indigenous woman, my mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where clients feel seen, celebrated, and empowered in their own skin.
Before launching my business, I spent several years working as an Indigenous youth worker. That role shaped so much of who I am today. It wasn’t just about programs or resources, it was about building trust, nurturing pride in identity, and helping young people see their own potential. Being part of their journeys through both struggle and success taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of community.
My transition into aesthetics wasn’t a departure from that work, it was a continuation. For me, beauty and wellness are acts of resistance and reclamation. Too often, Indigenous people have been left out of mainstream beauty standards. Gwanaajiwi is my way of challenging that. It’s about offering high-quality, culturally safe care that uplifts people from the inside out.
One of my proudest accomplishments is simply creating this space, a business that reflects both modern practices and traditional values. But I’m equally proud of my future plans: to open doors for other Indigenous youth. I envision mentorship programs, job-shadowing opportunities, and eventually formal training in aesthetics centered on culture, empowerment, and community.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about cooking, snowboarding, spending time with family, and being outdoors. These moments keep me grounded and connected, to myself, my roots, and the land.
A quote that has always stayed with me is: “We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” It reminds me that everything I build today honors the strength of those who came before me, and lights the way for those still to come.
As a youth role model, I hope my story shows that success can look different and still be powerful. Whether in community work or in beauty, we can lead with love, culture, and confidence. And we can absolutely bring our whole selves with us as we rise.
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