In an exclusive interview with Indigenous-SME Business Magazine, Anthony Wingham, co-founder of Nuez Acres® and founder of Metisprint.ca, shares his journey of blending Métis heritage with sustainability and innovation. From waterless skincare to empowering Indigenous youth with digital literacy, Anthony discusses how his businesses foster economic independence and cultural pride, while shaping the future of Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Anthony Wingham is a proud Métis entrepreneur, educator, and community leader dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples and bridging the digital divide. He is the co-founder of Nuez Acres®, an award-winning, water-free skincare company that champions sustainability and Indigenous entrepreneurship, and the founder of Metisprint.ca, a sustainable print-on-demand apparel brand celebrating Métis culture.
Anthony is deeply committed to digital inclusion, teaching digital literacy to youth, seniors, and underserved communities across Canada. His goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
Nuez Acres® is known for its water-free formulations rooted in sustainability and Indigenous values. What inspired the shift to waterless beauty, and how does this innovation address pressing environmental and resource challenges today?
The shift to waterless beauty came from recognizing two truths: water is our most precious resource, and beauty products don’t need to be diluted to be effective. Growing up connected to both farm life in Mexico and Métis traditions in Canada taught us the importance of respecting what the land gives us. By eliminating water from our formulations, we not only create concentrated, potent products but also contribute to addressing a global crisis of water scarcity. Every bottle of Nuez Acres® saves thousands of millilitres of water compared to conventional products. Our Seed-to-Skin process ensures every drop of pecan oil is pressed, crafted, and delivered with minimal waste, reflecting Indigenous values of stewardship. Waterless beauty is both a cultural responsibility and a global solution.
How has your Métis and Latina heritage influenced both the ethos and global evolution of Nuez Acres®, and in what ways have you bridged diverse communities across Turtle Island and Mexico through your products and leadership?
Our heritage is at the heart of Nuez Acres®. Nancy’s roots in Mexico, where her family tended orchards, and Anthony’s Métis identity, grounded in stewardship and resilience, shaped a company that bridges two cultures. The pecan oil we use grows in Mexican soil, and it’s pressed and transformed in Canada, symbolizing a bridge between Turtle Island and Mexico. By sharing stories of both Métis traditions and Latina farming practices, we connect communities across borders while offering a product that respects the land. This dual heritage guides our leadership style: collaborative, family-centered, and inclusive. It reminds us that global growth must never come at the cost of cultural authenticity. Instead, our growth is proof that honoring identity can resonate across continents.
Your journey from local farmers’ markets to major retail shelves, including Walmart and Fred Meyer, is remarkable. What key lessons have you learned in scaling a seed-to-skin business while remaining true to your core values of sustainability and community empowerment?
Scaling Nuez Acres® taught us that growth is only sustainable when values remain non-negotiable. Starting at local farmers’ markets gave us the foundation: direct feedback, community trust, and accountability. Entering retailers like Walmart and Fred Meyer required us to adapt operations, improve logistics, and refine packaging but never compromise on being water-free, eco-conscious, and Indigenous-led. One key lesson is that transparency builds loyalty. Sharing the story of pecan oil, our Seed-to-Skin process, and the communities behind it helps customers understand why sustainability matters. Another lesson is the power of partnerships, mentors, export programs, and Indigenous business networks provided the knowledge to scale responsibly. The biggest takeaway is that a business rooted in culture and sustainability can grow globally without losing its soul.
Beyond entrepreneurship, you are deeply committed to digital inclusion and mentorship for Indigenous youth. How has teaching digital literacy and serving in advisory roles impacted your vision for economic independence and innovation within Indigenous communities?
Teaching digital literacy has shown me how access creates independence. Many Indigenous youth, adults, and Elders are left out of today’s digital economy, not for lack of talent, but for lack of tools and training. By leading digital literacy programs through Jelly Academy and serving on advisory councils, I’ve seen firsthand how confidence in using email, spreadsheets, or even AI tools opens doors to education, business, and community leadership. Mentorship is not just about teaching skills, it’s about breaking cycles of exclusion. This work has shaped my vision of economic independence: Indigenous communities thriving by owning both traditional knowledge and modern tools. Innovation, for us, comes from blending culture with technology, ensuring our people aren’t just participants in the economy, but leaders shaping its future.
What final advice or message would you share with small business owners and aspiring Indigenous or underrepresented entrepreneurs looking to build brands rooted in culture, sustainability, and social responsibility?
My advice is simple: lead with who you are. Culture is not a barrier to business, it’s your greatest strength. Customers today are seeking authenticity, sustainability, and stories that matter. When you build from your heritage, community, or lived experience, you create something no one else can replicate. The journey won’t be easy, funding, representation, and systems can be barriers but resilience is in our DNA. Seek mentors, build networks, and use your values as your compass when opportunities test your direction. Remember that success is not just measured in sales but in the impact you leave, whether it’s conserving resources, creating jobs, or inspiring the next generation. For Indigenous and underrepresented entrepreneurs, your voice matters. Build boldly, sustainably, and with pride.
Disclaimer:
Indigenous-SME Business Magazine is committed to providing insightful interviews that highlight the successes and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. The views expressed in this interview are those of the guest and may not reflect the opinions of the magazine or its affiliates.
