Our Story
ROOTED IN FRIENDSHIP
Octopied Mind was founded by childhood best friends, Jill and Sarah, who grew up together in New Brunswick. The brand began from a shared love of art and the strange comfort found in dark humor. When Sarah moved to Ottawa to work at Shopify, new ideas started to take shape. Together, they saw how their art — rooted in laughter, mental health, and honesty — resonated deeply with people who needed it most.
FROM MARKET TO MOVEMENT
Octopied Mind started with a single batch of twenty-five shirts sold at a local market in Ottawa. There were no loans, grants, or investors—just two best friends figuring it out from different cities. Jill, based in Dartmouth, screen-printed every shirt by hand with meticulous care, while Sarah managed the markets in Ottawa, bringing the brand to life through conversation and connection. Their strengths were remarkably different, but this contrast worked to their advantage. Jill devoted herself to the craft, while Sarah focused on reaching the people. That first market changed everything. Visitors paused, laughed, and recognized themselves in the art. From that moment on, Octopied Mind grew organically, built on humor, honesty, and the shared relief of not having to pretend that everything is fine.
THE ART OF BEING HUMAN
Our creative journey thrives at the intersection of humor and vulnerability, where authentic expression takes center stage. Each design is meticulously hand-drawn, capturing the intricacies of the human experience — the imperfect, yet beautiful moments that define our lives, as well as the often uncomfortable truths we face. Through our art, we aim to reflect genuine emotions, offering a cathartic release through laughter and sparking meaningful conversations that resonate deeply. Our work not only celebrates the messiness of being human but also fosters connections that help us explore and embrace our shared experiences.
HOW WE WORK
At OM, creativity thrives in space made for curiosity, connection, and life beyond work. We hire people who are self-motivated, thoughtful, and confident in their craft, encouraging everyone to shape their role around what they do best. Our culture is built on trust and autonomy, grounded in the belief that people aren’t here just to work — we’re here to live, love, play, and create. That balance fuels the kind of creativity that can’t be forced. The same philosophy guides our partnerships, as we collaborate only with factories, warehouses, and agencies that share our values. Together, we focus on quality, accountability, and integrity, building a brand that grows responsibly without losing sight of what really matters.
RESPONSIBLE BY DESIGN
At our core, we produce only what’s necessary, guided by a philosophy of mindful craftsmanship. Each item is made in small, limited batches with carefully chosen materials and inks to ensure quality and longevity. Any products that fall short of our standards are not discarded; instead, they are thoughtfully repurposed, donated to those in need, or reimagined into something new. We embrace our responsibilities towards the environment and ethical practices, continuously evaluating how we can improve. Our goal is to consistently reduce our footprint while maximizing our positive impact.
MADE FOR YOU
Octopied Mind is an Indigenous-founded, queer-run, women-led brand built on honesty, creativity, and individuality. We create for those who crave depth in what they wear — people who see clothing as a reflection of identity, resilience, and truth.