Elmwood Supply Company: A student-led creative brand

In a colorful and busy creative lab at Elmwood High School, students are working hard designing graphics, working on woodwork, and packaging orders for customers across Winnipeg. Every project they take on is part of Elmwood Supply Company (ESC), a student-led initiative that blends creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship to showcase the talent found within the students.

Launched in 2020, ESC gives students the opportunity to transform their interests into real products and meaningful community connections. As they brainstorm designs, collaborate on digital media, and manage the business side of operations, students are learning through hands-on experiences that feel purposeful and exciting.

A Platform for Student Creativity and Community Pride

Behind the student creations, teachers Patrick Gadsby and Matthew Reis provide guidance, and coach students through the completion of the different creative projects and initiatives. For them, Elmwood Supply Company represents a shift in how students view themselves and how Elmwood is viewed by others.

Gadsby says the initiative responds to the needs and passions of students. “The idea is to give them a platform to develop their talents,” he explained. “We want to engage them and help them build lifelong skills they can apply once they leave here.”

A big element of ESC is changing the narrative of how communities such as Elmwood are perceived. “This is not what it used to be. It is a beautiful melting pot of culture and students who are here, want to be seen, and are doing awesome things,” said Reis. “We are trying to change the narrative through the creativity of the students. Whether it is Winnipeg based or community based, we want to shine a positive spotlight on Elmwood because that is what it deserves.”

Teachers Patrick Gadsby and Matthew Reis lead the program and coach students in their projects.Life-long Lessons That Go Beyond Creativity

Students involved in the program describe a space where they can express themselves, build confidence, and discover new skills. Grade 10 student Sarah shared that she joined partly because of her brother, who also designs clothing, but quickly found her own connection to the work. Being part of a team allowed her to explore her creativity while feeling supported by her peers.

For Grade 12 student and Indigenous artist Ashlyn Anderson-Williams, Elmwood Supply Company has provided opportunities to showcase her artwork. Some of the projects she highlights are the redesign of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women handprint symbol and a Sea Bears Indigenous Day design, a project that attracted audiences far beyond the school hallways. Beyond the creative side of it, she says these experiences help her become more confident in communicating with others and develop her social skills.

Students get involved in a variety of creative projects that have impact beyond the classrooms.For other students like Tobi (Grade 11) the fast pace of the work has taught him how to stay organized and finish projects on time. He hopes more students will give it a try, because the program offers an introduction to many different career paths including clothing design, advertising, and sales. Students are discovering the value of skills that will follow them long after graduation.

Other media projects such as Elmwood Elmcast, the student produced podcast, has allowed students to explore storytelling and interviewing. Back in 2023, students were able to interview the now Premier Wab Kinew before his election. These events remain a highlight and a reminder that their work carries impact.

Supporting Future Success

Elmwood Supply Company stands as a powerful example of what happens when students are encouraged to lead, collaborate, and believe in their ideas. Through hands-on learning, students are gaining the communication, problem-solving, and creative skills that turn ideas into tangible results. Teacher Matthew Reis noted that these are the same global competencies employers look for in today’s workplaces, and they are becoming second nature to students who take part in the program.

Elmwood Supply Company creates a variety of merchandise and products for sale to the public.Every purchase made through the Elmwood Supply Company directly supports this learning journey. Funds go back into the classroom to purchase industry-standard equipment, ensuring that future students have the tools and opportunities to explore their creativity, build valuable experiences, and continue to shift the narratives across their communities.

To explore their latest designs and learn more about their projects, visit the Elmwood Supply Company website.