Shondiin Mayo
ICT
With Valentine’s Day coming up on Friday, you might be looking for a last-minute gift idea or perhaps an idea on where to shop for your significant other’s birthday or anniversary. Here are five Native-owned businesses to consider next time you’re looking for a gift.
In 2002, Michaelee Lazore, a Kanien’kehá:ka and Northern Paiute, transitioned from her engineering career to establish Sequoia Soaps. This enterprise is entirely owned and managed by Indigenous women. Lazore initiated Sequoia due to the lack of locally produced products from Indigenous companies that met her needs. Its products include soaps, candles, body care items such as lotions, mists, and lip balms, as well as gift sets like gift cards, which can be bought online.
Colleen Colegrove, a self-taught artist, finds inspiration in her Yurok and Dine heritage while running her business, We’erp Wesona. The name, meaning “butterfly in the sky,” is a nod to her given name. As the owner, she creates jewelry from natural materials such as dentalium shells, abalone, elk antler, and porcupine quills. You can explore her work on Instagram @wererp.wesona or through her online store.
Carissa Eich is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Information Technology at Arizona State University, where she showcases her Diné heritage through digital art. By integrating photography and graphic design, her creations emphasize modern elements of her culture, including infrastructure, attire, and signage. Eich’s artwork is available online, and she can be followed on Instagram @nihidzill.
Jaylein Kriska presents herself on her Instagram account (@jaybaesbeads) as an “Athabascan creating jewelry and more.” Originating from Koyukuk, Alaska, she focuses on designing and producing a variety of beaded earrings and jewelry crafted from dentalium shells, beaver fur, fish skin, and moose skin. Her artistic work is influenced by the values, current challenges, and culture of her Native community. Kriska promotes her beaded items via Instagram, while her website features T-shirts that highlight her community, LandBack themes, and illustrations of traditional camps.
Rez Streetwear, established by Susanna Osife in 2023, is dedicated to the mission of “embracing and uplifting Indigenous culture through design and fashion.” While pursuing a degree in Business Administration and a certificate in digital media at Tohono O’odham Community College, Osife seeks to create a brand that honors cultural identity through streetwear. Her website features a range of tote bags adorned with designs such as “It’s a good day to be Indigenous” and imagery that highlights the Akimel O’odham alongside a river backdrop.
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