In the world of Canadian small businesses, authenticity, community, and innovation come together in inspiring ways. This is especially true for MINI TIPI, a company blending Indigenous culture with everyday comfort through thoughtfully designed blankets, shawls, and accessories.

At the heart of MINI TIPI’s business is a commitment to community and cultural representation. As the business grows, so does the need for reliable financial guidance and solutions.

Enter Marcil Lavallée, an Ottawa-based accounting firm, and QuickBooks — a powerful tool both businesses utilize to simplify operations, streamline accounting, and focus on what matters most — fostering connections through Indigenous art and supporting the local economy.

Table of Contents

• MINI TIPI’s origins and unique approach
• The role of Marcil Lavallée in financial management
• Overcoming challenges and growing with QuickBooks
• Streamlining inventory and financial transparency
• Leveraging financial insights for strategic planning
• Community impact and future plans
• Financial literacy and empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs
• Sustainability goals: A vision for the future
• Advice for aspiring small business owners
• Building a future on connection and purpose

MINI TIPI’s origins and unique approach

Founded by Mélanie Bernard and her partner, MINI TIPI emerged from a heartfelt mission — to address the lack of authentic Indigenous-designed textiles in Canada. The vision was clear from the beginning: to create high-quality lifestyle products that celebrate Indigenous culture, offering everything from blankets to scarves.

The designs, often a collaboration with Indigenous artists, honor traditional forms while delivering modern style and comfort.

Bernard explains, “We like to think of ourselves as bridge builders. Our products start a conversation and play an active role in the path toward reconciliation.”

MINI TIPI’s dedication to fair compensation for artists and the use of eco-friendly materials, like recycled wool, underscores its commitment to ethical production and respect for culture​.

The role of Marcil Lavallée in financial management

As MINI TIPI grew, so did the complexity of its financial needs. Seeking expert advice, the company turned to Marcil Lavallée, a bilingual accounting firm with a robust understanding of Canadian regulations. Marcil Lavallée's accountant, Marc-Antoine Synnott, notes that QuickBooks has been pivotal in enabling seamless data sharing, especially for time-sensitive tasks like tax preparation and monthly reviews.

“Our relationship started in May 2024. Their business has been growing and their needs started being more complex,” explains Synnott. This collaboration has empowered MINI TIPI to make informed financial decisions, allowing the business to focus on scaling its impact​.

Overcoming challenges and growing with QuickBooks

Managing growth while preserving its core values is a challenge MINI TIPI faces as demand increases. “It’s like building a canoe while paddling,” Bernard shares, highlighting the resilience it takes to scale a business responsibly. QuickBooks has been instrumental in this journey, helping MINI TIPI manage finances efficiently and with ease.

The software’s integration with sales platforms has allowed the company to consolidate revenue and expense tracking, freeing up valuable time to focus on other aspects of the business. MINI TIPI’s decision to transition from spreadsheets to QuickBooks was a game-changer, streamlining tasks such as invoicing and tax preparation​.

Marcil Lavallée has navigated several significant challenges over its decades in operation as well. A primary challenge has been keeping up with constant regulatory changes in tax laws and accounting standards. With new rules regularly introduced, the firm recognized that staying updated was critical not only for compliance, but also to maintain the high standard of service its clients depend on.

To address this, Marcil Lavallée invested heavily in continuous professional development, encouraging the team to attend workshops, webinars, and industry training. By subscribing to industry newsletters and remaining active in professional networks, the company ensures its staff is always equipped with the latest knowledge, empowering them to provide timely and accurate financial guidance to clients​.

Streamlining inventory and financial transparency

For a product-based business like MINI TIPI, inventory management is crucial. QuickBooks’ integration with MINI TIPI’s e-commerce and inventory systems allows real-time tracking of inventory levels and automatically updates financial records, enabling accurate sales and expense tracking.

Bernard notes, “Its integration with our sales platforms lets us track revenue and expenses all in one place, saving us significant time and effort.” This streamlined process ensures MINI TIPI can scale confidently while meeting the demands of a growing customer base without sacrificing the integrity of its products​.

Leveraging financial insights for strategic planning

Using QuickBooks, MINI TIPI can analyze its financial health in real time, allowing the business to make informed decisions about upcoming projects and investments. Marcil Lavallée’s accountant, Synnott, works with MINI TIPI to interpret these insights and develop tailored financial strategies.

Together, Synnott and Bernard examine financial reports to spot trends, manage cash flow, and prepare for tax season.

Community impact and future plans

MINI TIPI’s success isn’t just about financial growth — it’s about giving back to the Indigenous community that inspires its work. Through programs like its artist royalties initiative and partnerships with organizations like Soaring Circle, MINI TIPI uplifts aspiring Indigenous youth, offering them platforms for artistic expression.

The company's commitment to fostering cultural understanding and respect is woven into every aspect of the business, from design contests to collaborations with Canadian artists.

Looking ahead, MINI TIPI plans to expand its product offerings and deepen its community engagement, always keeping reconciliation at the heart of its mission​.

Financial literacy and empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs

One of MINI TIPI’s proudest achievements is providing a platform for Indigenous artists and creators. To make this work sustainable, financial literacy is key. Through its partnership with Marcil Lavallée and the use of QuickBooks, MINI TIPI has fostered a deeper understanding of accounting essentials, from tax preparation to budgeting.

This journey highlights the importance of accessible financial knowledge for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada, providing them with tools to build lasting businesses while maintaining cultural authenticity and respect.

Sustainability goals: A vision for the future

Sustainability is at the core of MINI TIPI’s mission. By using recycled materials and supporting Canadian manufacturing, MINI TIPI ensures that its growth aligns with ethical and environmental standards. The business has ambitious goals to expand its eco-friendly product lines and deepen its commitment to sustainable practices.

QuickBooks’ robust reporting tools allow MINI TIPI to track these goals, understanding the financial implications of each sustainable decision so the company can continue to grow responsibly. Bernard says, “We still have so many teachings and traditional art forms that we would like to share with our audience to continue deepening our commitment to sustainability and community support. We look forward to introducing new collaborations that celebrate Indigenous art.”

Advice for aspiring small business owners

For Mélanie Bernard, staying true to one’s values and vision is essential. “Authenticity resonates with people and can guide you through challenging times,” she says.

Bernard advises entrepreneurs to focus on building a supportive community: “It’s about forming lasting relationships — from your suppliers to your collaborators to your clients.” This focus on relationships has helped MINI TIPI create a business that goes beyond products, fostering a sense of connection with every item it produces.

From the accounting perspective, Marc-Antoine Synnott encourages small business owners to clearly understand their financial needs and research potential partners thoroughly.

“Before you start looking for an accounting firm, identify what services you need. Do you need help with bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial planning, or all of the above? Knowing your needs will help you find a firm that offers the right services,” Synnott says.

He also emphasizes the importance of technology in today’s business landscape. “Look for a firm that uses modern accounting software and technology. This can streamline processes and provide you with real-time access to your financial data,” he explains.

In addition, Synnott highlights the importance of building a strong relationship with your accountant, describing them as a trusted advisor who can help your business scale. “Building a strong relationship with them can lead to better financial advice and support as your business grows,” he adds.

Both Bernard and Synnott agree that prioritizing relationships, authenticity, and strategic financial planning can lay a strong foundation for long-term success. Whether it’s through cultivating community ties or aligning with technology-driven financial practices, their combined wisdom underscores the value of adaptability and purpose in building a resilient business.

Building a future on connection and purpose

MINI TIPI and Marcil Lavallée exemplify the power of collaboration and the role of dependable accounting tools like QuickBooks in enabling small businesses to succeed. As MINI TIPI continues to bridge cultures and create beautiful, meaningful products, QuickBooks and Marcil Lavallée remain essential allies on the journey.

For Canadian entrepreneurs seeking reliable financial solutions, QuickBooks offers an accessible, user-friendly way to keep finances on track.

Ready to take the next step in your business journey? Explore QuickBooks for tools that streamline financial management, letting you focus on what you love — growing your business and making a difference.