BeaverTag™

What inspired you to start your business?

The journey of BeaverTag™ began about six months ago. Running Maple Beaver, it felt natural to focus on symbols that are deeply tied to Canadian identity, such as the maple leaf and the beaver. As fate would have it, 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the beaver as Canada’s national symbol, and we felt it was the perfect moment to pay tribute.

At first, we considered designing a beaver-themed T-shirt, since our focus at the time was apparel. But something held us back. We knew it needed to be more meaningful, a product that truly reflected the beaver’s place in Canada’s story, and one that could stand as a lasting symbol rather than just another garment.

Around that time, we came across The Beaver Manifesto by Dr. Glynnis Hood. Reading it deepened our understanding and admiration for this remarkable ecological ally. One moment struck us especially: Dr. Hood mentioned that while she had received countless “beaver” products over the years, none carried any authentic beaver or a Canadian connection. Most were mass-produced overseas and stripped of real meaning.

That realization was our epiphany. We knew we had to create something functional yet symbolic, proudly handcrafted in Canada, and able to spark both awareness and direct support for the beaver’s role in our land. Out of that vision, BeaverTag™ was born, a personal accessory that celebrates heritage, ecology, and Canadian pride, all in one.

How do you describe your brand?

The BeaverTag is the result of in-depth research, production exploration, and iterative development. From the very beginning, our vision was to create a product that is authentically made in Canada and a true representation of the beaver—functional, meaningful, and aesthetically pleasing.

After several rounds of prototyping, we developed a proprietary design and manufacturing process. Each BeaverTag is crafted from 100% full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, which is the highest grade of leather and is produced using environmentally responsible methods. The leather is hand-stamped with a custom beaver-pattern die, also made in Canada, to capture the natural texture of a beaver’s tail.

Once stamped, the pieces are precisely cut and dyed in multiple layers to achieve a tone that closely matches the look of an actual beaver tail. To balance function with artistry, a top tab in the color of a beaver’s body is hand-sewn to the tail section. Inside, an insert is wedged between layers to give the tag its three-dimensional form, creating a remarkably realistic representation of a beaver’s tail.

Every BeaverTag is then packaged in a thoughtfully designed box made from 95% recycled materials, hand screen-printed in Canada using water-based dyes.

The result is a product that is sustainable, symbolic, and crafted with care to honour Canadian heritage.

Why do you think it’s so popular?

The BeaverTag is popular because it is more than just an accessory. It is a story you can carry.

• Authentically Canadian: Handmade entirely in Ontario to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beaver as Canada’s national symbol.

• Premium & Sustainable Materials: Crafted from 100% full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather — the highest grade of leather, made with eco-friendly processes.

• Art Meets Function: Each piece is hand-stamped with a custom Canadian-made die to recreate the beaver tail’s texture, then dyed in multiple rounds for depth and character.

• Distinct & Personal: Being handmade, no two BeaverTags are ever the same. Every piece carries its own unique character, just like its custodian.

• Thoughtful Craftsmanship: A contrasting top tab is hand-stitched for durability, and a hidden insert gives the tail a true three-dimensional form.

• Keepsake Packaging: Each BeaverTag is presented in a recycled, screen-printed box that makes it feel like a collectible gift.

• Purposeful Impact: 5% of profits go directly to Canadian ecological organizations that protect beaver habitats.

The result is a product that people are proud to own or gift: meaningful, beautifully made, and truly one-of-a-kind.