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When Alexandra Daignault enrolled in an Indigenous Studies course at Mount Royal University, she didn’t expect it to inspire a social enterprise blending activism, community, and culture, one cup at a time.

Daignault, a former English major with a focus on post-colonial theory, recently returned to campus as a guest speaker. 

For her, the trip was more than just revisiting her alma mater — it was a full-circle moment.

To understand why this trip was extra special, we have to go back a couple of years. Daignault was a student majoring in English with a focus on post-colonial theory.

“I was talking to my grandmother (whose family is from Trinidad), who was hugely impactful,” Daignault said. “We talked a lot about our role in post-colonial futures, and how our communities had been complicit in supporting colonial projects.”

Her grandmother’s encouragement led her to take the next step in her education.

“One day, my nan said, ‘If you really want to take this work forward, we have to take an Indigenous Studies class.’” “So I registered in a course led by Dr. Renee Watchman and that’s really where everything started to click.

How One Class Changed Her Life

Daignault recounted her very first class where she met Dr.Watchman. Within minutes, she knew this would be no ordinary class.

“Dr. Renee Watchman walked in with long hair and Fluevog boots and was just the coolest ever,” Daignault said.

She explained the class project: students had to bring activism into their everyday life, a task that would account for 60 per cent of their grade.

Throughout the semester, Daignault studied activist movements like the Oka Crisis, the Occupation of Alcatraz, and the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“What struck me about this topic was that in my communities, we also have a lot of missing women, a lot of violence towards women and girls, but there was no way of bringing these communities together in conversation,” Daignault said.

From Coursework to Social Enterprise: Building Community Impact

Daignault wondered what could be done. It was at a routine trip to Good Earth Coffee where she would have her “aha” moment.

Daignault looked at her plain Good Earth cup and wondered why there wasn’t any tea that raised awareness on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 

“There wasn’t any tea that raised awareness on the issue and used locally sourced ingredients. I thought, what if there was a tea that did both; and donated part of the proceeds to support missing and murdered women?”

Daignault created hand-stitched tea bags and sourced ingredients with help from her aunt’s store. She submitted the project and earned an “A”, but the idea wouldn’t leave her alone.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she said.

Throughout the next few years, Daignault took business classes and sought guidance from elders. It was after a friendly jokingly said, “You’ll never know if this is a good idea until you actually sell a bag of tea,” that her idea finally became a reality.

Daignault rushed home, got supplies from Staples, put the product together, and launched an Etsy store. Overnight, she sold approximately 200 units. 

Things were only up from here. Her company, Sarjesa, has grown into a socially conscious brand found in cafes across Calgary and recently became the tea provider at West Gate Perks in Wyckham House.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

“Coming back to campus and seeing our tea served here feels full circle,” Daignault said. “MRU gave me the foundation to think critically and act with care.”

“I’m proud of all the businesses we work with, but this one is closest to home for me,” she added.

Daignault credits her success to mentorship and self-reflection, particularly lessons from Dr. Watchman on humility and responsible allyship.

“She taught me to ask better questions, to understand my position as a non-Indigenous person, and to learn through listening,” Daignault said. “That’s something I carry into every part of my business.”

Now an established entrepreneur, Daignault encourages current students to explore their ideas.

“If you have an idea that won’t leave you alone, explore it,” she said. “And if you need support, reach out, that’s what alumni are here for.”

“I love MRU; This campus is the place to be,” she said. “It’s the most underrated university experience that actually delivers the most bang for your buck. There are so many resources, and I’m proud to be part of this campus.”