Women Empowerment Month - Guest Blogger Bethany Creator and CEO for B. Yellowtail
We are so excited to bring you some amazing blog posts for the whole month of March celebrating some unreal women! For today I would like to introduce you to Bethany the Creator and CEO of B. Yellowtail, a beautiful fashion line that we are obsessed with!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a fashion designer originally from the Crow & Northern Cheyenne reservations in Montana. I am the creator and CEO of B. Yellowtail, an indigenous clothing line, and the founder of the B. Yellowtail Collective a brand initiative which sells and promotes handmade, heirloom quality jewelry, textiles and accessories crafted by carefully selected indigenous artists from all corners of North America. My artistic vision and work is irremovable from my social justice vision for my community: not only do we provide employment for dozens of artists, I have plans to eventually bring a surge of economic development to my communities by moving factories and design headquarters to remote reservation locations which have been plagued by poverty for the last few centuries, providing job and training opportunities in the fashion industry where none currently exist. In a world where indigenous images are often stolen and misappropriated, I seek to empower my community through design and representation.
2. What's been your biggest hurdle thus far?
Building a brand that is founded on indigenous value systems, in a world where it does not currently exist, has been my biggest hurdle. There is no rule book, nor an answer to how it should be done, so many times I have found myself feeling lost, stuck in moments, and unsure about how to move forward.
3. How did you overcome it?I make mistakes and learn from them. I have trained myself to become incredibly flexible so when something does not work I adjust…Quickly! I came to terms with the process that I must carve my own space. This has not been done before, so I must forge the path. If there is anything that I have learned from being an entrepreneur, it is that there is not just one way to do anything.
4. What advice do you have for other women?
“It doesn’t matter where you come from, you deserve to dream & have the same opportunities as anyone else. You are allowed.”
For me, it took that simple phrase from a stranger to change my life and the way I subconsciously held my self back. Say it out loud and give your self permission. Be fearless in breaking down the barriers.
5. Share with us one of your favorite inspirational quotes.
“Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. “Be still” they say. Watch and listen, you are the result of the love of thousands.”
I love this quote because it reminds me everyday that my existence was prayed for, my ancestors sacrificed and many of them died fighting for my existence. The work I do is directly tied to this, so that I can continue on and every choice I make is so that the generations who come after me, they can thrive too.
We as a Nena Team just want to thank Bethany for being willing and open to sharing her amazing story with us!
To All you Incredible Women out there- YOU ARE ENOUGH! We love you!
Xxo Nena Team!