# Sean McCormick, Founder of Manitobah Mukluks (INTERVIEW) By Shelby Lee Walsh | Published 2011-12-09 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manitobah-mukluks References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com) Interest in "native chic" fashion is on the rise, and Canadian brand Manitobah Mukluks is taking a long-time Metis tradition and turning it into a serious winter style statement. While maintaining a sense of traditionalism with their sheepskin, fur and leather fabrics as well as their beaded patterns, Manitobah Mukluks is updating [mukluks](http://www.manitobah.ca/) for the modern fashionista. Sean McCormick is the Metis entrepreneur that founded the shoe and accessory company. The social business enthusiast is a proud to honor his Canadian [Aboriginal Heritage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ay-lelum-the-good-house-of-design) by crafting his products in Winnipeg, Canada and creating a sustainable industry for the Metis people. We had a chance to sit down with McCormick and talk social business. **Where do you find the motivation to continue Manitobah Mukluks?** Simply put I am proud of my history, my community and proud that we are a part of the Aboriginal community moving forward and sharing our culture and art on a global scale. I also LOVE mukluks, so that doesn’t hurt either. **How do you reset to be creative?** As the brand continues to grow so quickly my days become busier and busier. It is a real challenge to take time needed to step back and put myself in the head space needed to be creative. I try to get up to my home in the Duck Mountains (500 km north of Winnipeg) as much as possible. It is REALLY secluded and peaceful. I spend most of my time there in the forest, hunting and fishing. I get recharged there and come back feeling rejuvenated. **Where do you find the endless inspiration?** The inspiration is easy. The rich culture, art and design of Aboriginal people of North America. There is no end to the ideas we mine from our rich heritage. **What is your favorite look on any woman?** Two part answer. A) Blue jeans and tall mukluks. B) The look on her face when she finds out how comfy mukluks are for the first time. **How would you define cool?** Knowing yourself and being comfortable with who you are regardless of what others may think. **Is social business something you always knew you wanted to do?** To me, all businesses need to have a social component. Whether an individual, a non-profit organization or a for profit business, we are all part of a community and we need to take care of each other. Sustainable businesses must support and be part of sustainable communities. You can’t have one without the other for very long. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Native Chic Fashion:** Opportunity for brands to incorporate indigenous designs and materials into contemporary fashion styles. - **Sustainable Social Business:** Creating products and industries that honor cultural heritage and support sustainable communities. - **Outdoor-inspired Fashion:** Rising interest in nature-inspired fashion trends, such as mukluks and other outdoor-inspired accessories. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Fashion brands can collaborate with indigenous communities to create unique and culturally-inspired products. - **Social Entrepreneurship:** Creating sustainable businesses that support and uplift indigenous communities while preserving cultural heritage. - **Outdoor Retail:** Opportunity for retailers to tap into the growing demand for nature-inspired fashion and accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Canadian-Inspired Winter Boot Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadianinspired-winter-boot.md) - [Bespoke Textile-Focused Mittens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linkdesigns.md) - [Vegan Outwear Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wuxly-and-mikinakoos-childrens-fund.md) - [Collaborative Sustainable Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moclaughlin.md) - [Indigenous-Owned Holiday Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aaniin-popup.md) - [Premium Fashion-Forward Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mave-chez.md) - [Nature-Inspired Distinct Design Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hollismorris-1.md) - [Timeless Knit Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mudana-clothing.md) - [Canadian-Made Winter Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mara-suede-womens-heritage-pullon-boot.md)