An Interview with Carolina Arcila, Founder of Treeline Collective

Treeline Collective is a beautiful retail store in Squamish that caters to outdoor adventurers, those who love nature, and anyone looking to shop ethically and locally. That alone is reason enough to visit, but the story behind how it all started and why it exists will make anyone want to make it a priority to check out this weekend!

We recently spoke to founder Carolina Arcila about Treeline Collective, and learned how it all got started, what it stands for, and how Community Futures Howe Sound has been able to support this fantastic local business.

How did you get your business started?

When I look back, Treeline Collective was really born from a challenging journey that began when I left my hometown in Colombia at age seventeen, escaping civil war. As a refugee in North America, I faced immense challenges that shaped my character and ignited a passion within me. It’s an experience no one, especially a child, should endure, yet it forged my resilience and vision for a better world. As I guided my parents through the complexities of the refugee system, I began to dream of a world where everyone, particularly women, could thrive against the odds and achieve success.

Entrepreneurship has always ignited my passion, although I initially pursued human rights, believing it to be the most effective way to drive change. For many years, motivated by a deep desire to make a positive difference in the world, I dedicated myself to advocating for children’s rights, conflict resolution, and environmental conservation, discovering that genuine solutions often reside within us. My work with child soldiers globally and indigenous communities in the Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest particularly imparted invaluable lessons. Throughout this journey, I met incredible creators and artisans worldwide. Despite their talents, many faced barriers in accessing global markets, often feeling undervalued by our current systems. Their stories inspired me to explore entrepreneurial opportunities for marginalized communities, reinforcing my vision for a brand that champions fair compensation and sustainability.

These experiences inspired me to establish Treeline as a symbol of ethical, sustainable business practices—a brand that nurtures a profound connection to the world while promoting inclusivity and fair treatment for all. Ultimately, I left my previous career to fully embrace this mission. Here I stand, unapologetically committed to transforming the business landscape. By prioritizing collaboration over competition, we create a space where everyone can thrive. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and build a more inclusive world.

What is Treeline Collective?

Treeline Collective is a retailer for outdoor gear and lifestyle products--with a social and environmental mission. Designed with the new generation of adventurers in mind, our business is designed to operate profitably in line with our values of environmental protection and conservation, ethical production lines, increased visibility and representation of all people in the outdoors and working with and supporting new immigrants in the community.

What is the product or service you’re most proud of?

More than a product I am proud of our values as a business.

Treeline Collective is a business designed to operate profitably in line with our values and was founded with the following goals:

1. Environmental protection and conservation: through our partnership with 1% of the Planet our business pledges 1% of its total sales to help fund high-impact conservation projects and join the movement for a healthier planet. As we reinvest profits into initiatives like ocean clean-ups, reforestation and wildlife conservation, we can support the global issues that truly matter to our brand.

2. Ethical production lines: every process during production aligns with our core values for ethical and sustainable consumption. We inspect every manufacturing and production site to ensure higher standard labour laws are respected and no child is involved in the creation of our products. Most importantly, we build connections with the communities we work alongside and incorporate culture in ways that are not harmful or exploitative. We take the time to learn, listen, and understand so that we may honor and respect the rich cultural heritage of every single product, and the makers and creators who help bring them to life.

3. Increase visibility and representation of all people in the outdoors: this is one of the core foundational principles at Treeline Collective. We have designed and created a business for everyone to feel seen and represented. Whether it is through our marketing and advertising campaigns, photography or events created. We believe that there is a huge gap that needs to be addressed urgently particularly in the outdoors industry to welcome everyone, regardless of where they come from, how they look or how they identify.

4. Work with and support new immigrants in the community: as a former refugee myself I can relate to the hardships that new immigrants go through as they try to navigate new life in Canada. This is why Treeline seeks to hire and work with new immigrants. By doing so, we offer training and mentorship in addition to work, for newcomers to have a more welcoming experience in the community.

What do you love most about living and working in the Sea to Sky?

Being surrounded by nature is one of my greatest joys, as it fuels my love for adventures and the thrill of getting out into the world. I find immense happiness in exploring new trails, discovering hidden paths, and embracing the fresh air and open skies. The sense of freedom and excitement that comes with each adventure is unparalleled, and I cherish every moment spent in the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through dense forests, climbing mountains, or simply spending time by a lake, the experience fills me with joy.

What advice do you wish someone gave you when you got started?

Starting a business is tough but rewarding. Don't give up—perseverance is key. View challenges as opportunities to learn and adapt. Believe in yourself; your confidence will help you take risks and inspire others. Build a support system with mentors and peers for guidance. Learn to delegate tasks to manage your workload effectively. Set clear goals and track your progress. Stay positive and committed to your vision for success.

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how have you overcome it?

As a self-financed small business, securing adequate funding has consistently been our biggest challenge. We are continually working to overcome this hurdle, but the journey has been complicated by several external factors. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and the subsequent uncertainty has made financial planning even more difficult.

Inflation has increased our costs, while shipping challenges and a retail slump have affected our revenue. Now, we are also navigating the complexities of tariffs, which adds another layer of difficulty to our financial strategy. Despite these obstacles, we remain determined to find solutions and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.

How has Community Futures Howe Sound helped your business?

I had made an announcement to close down my business. At that time, I felt utterly defeated and believed there was no way on earth that I would be able to continue. I faced numerous challenges, from financial struggles to dwindling customer sales, and it felt like every possible hurdle was thrown my way. Just when I was at my lowest point, Community Futures stepped in, offering me the support I so desperately needed. With their help, I was able to get the extra financing I needed to carry on with my business. Fast forward a year later, and I found myself standing proudly in my dream retail shop, a business that not only survived but thrived with renewed vision and enthusiasm. This experience taught me the power of resilience and the importance of having a strong support network.

Do you have any other local businesses you particularly admire?

Yes. I love Patagonia.

Community Futures Howe Sound: Supporting Local Business

Community Futures Howe Sound is incredibly proud to be able to support small local businesses like Treeline Collective, ensuring our community is filled with unique brands that promote local growth and jobs.

Learn more about our services here.