Big Spirit

Built with Intention and Purpose

Shanne Soulier is Founder and CEO of Big Spirt, Inc., a marketing and branding firm focused on culturally conscious work and community impact. His entrepreneurial journey has been anything but ordinary.

From his early roots in the performing arts to leading a purpose-driven, agency, Shanne’s path has been shaped by bold choices, cultural pride, and a commitment to building prosperity within communities.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Shanne was immersed in the performing arts as a professional dancer – a career that led to opportunities with the Disney Channel and magnet arts programs. He later transitioned into the corporate and agency world, gaining experience across marketing, production and sales. While those roles strengthened his skillset, Shanne came to the realization that building someone else’s vision was pulling him away from his own purpose.

That realization led to the creation of Big Spirt, Inc. a company designed to help organizations bring their ideas to life with intention, meaning and impact.

The Pillars of Big Spirt

  • Culturally conscious design, helping clients translate their vision into meaningful, authentic storytelling.

  • Branded goods and swag, creating tangible tools that help organizations share their message and extend their reach.

  • Commercial print, packaging and fulfillment, as we as solutions for people who have a ideas but no clear path to market.

At the heart of all three pillars is a shared purpose: to build awareness and prosperity within communities. One project that exemplifies this mission is Big Spirit’s design of the Minnesota state license plate created to raise awareness for Missing Indigenous People.

Finding Support Through MEDA

As Shanne began building Big Spirt, he sought opportunities to grow his business alongside other entrepreneurs. He connected with MEDA through events and later participated in MEDA’s Ascend program, which allowed him to step back and look critically at his business.

“You don’t need all of the answers. You need clarity, structure, and support.”

Shanne Soulier

Through the program, Shanne analyzed revenue streams, identified areas that no longer aligned with his goals and made strategic decisions to streamline the business. By the end of Ascend, he had a clear strategic plan and a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

Today, Shanne remains actively engaged with MEDA through events, ongoing check-ins with a business counselor, and continued connection with a community of fellow entrepreneurs.

Boldness, Growth, and Being Uncomfortable

For Shanne, boldness isn’t just about starting a business, it’s about what comes next. Things such as speaking up. Stepping out from behind the desk. Talking with people. Making decisions without having all the answers.

Like many business owners, things that keep him up at night include staffing challenges, systems, and navigating the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Over time, he’s learned to find peace in uncertainty and to accept that mistakes are part of growth.

What excites him most is finishing a project, staying true to Big Spirit’s mission, and using public opportunities to help others.

Raised in Red Cliff, Wisconsin with Ojibwe roots on his father’s side, Shanne carries culture and community with him in everything he builds. The root of his business, he says, is helping nonprofits and organizations do meaningful work – with clarity structure and intention.

“Creating someone else’s vision took my spirit away,” Shanne reflects. “Building Big Spirit gave it back.”

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