SweetGrass Trading Company is excited to welcome Felicia Masquat, the owner and founder of Haini Wiragusge Wiga. Her handcrafted organic products are inspired by her Indigenous roots and made in a home free of alcohol, drugs, and smoke—crafted with care and intention. Masquat is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
The name Haini Wiragusge Wiga—which translates to Morningstar in English—holds deep meaning for Masquat. It is her Ho-Chunk name, given to her by her Choka, Pete LaMere, during a ceremonial prayer. Masquat uses her Ho-Chunk spelling as it was given to her, representing who she is and where she comes from.
Masquat officially started her business in 2023, inspired by a lifelong desire to help others heal. During the pandemic, she took time to reflect on her purpose and realized it was to help heal her community. Her journey began with the creation of Smudging Sprays, a portable way to uplift, cleanse, protect, and heal when traditional smudging isn’t possible.
SweetGrass Trading Company is proud to feature two of Masquat’s creations:
- Sweetgrass Smudge Spray – A gentle, calming way to refresh and cleanse energy, perfect for meditation, yoga, prayer, or simply creating a peaceful environment at home or on the go.
- Sweetgrass Lip Balm – A soothing blend of sweetgrass oil, shea butter, coconut oil, white beeswax, and vitamin E that hydrates the lips while bringing a sense of calm.
Masquat says owning and growing a Native-owned business has been a rewarding experience. “It’s been great to be able to make a difference in my community,” she said. “I take pride in being a role model and inspiring others to know they can do anything they put their mind to. I am grateful for the prosperity of my growing business.”
She also recognizes that the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “Starting out is definitely challenging—getting your products out and known, and not knowing how some of the elders would react to a non-traditional smudge in a bottle,” Masquat explained. “And of course, funding your own business can be a big temporary financial burden.”
Partnerships like the one with SweetGrass Trading Company, she says, make a meaningful difference. “Being that I am Ho-Chunk, it’s great that SweetGrass is open to supporting small Ho-Chunk businesses right in their own backyard.”
Masquat’s products reflect her dedication to self-care and her connection to Indigenous traditions, offering tools that nurture both body and spirit. Through her work, she brings moments of tranquility and mindfulness into everyday life while sharing her heritage and teachings.