Common Milkweed. Shaaboosigan Aniibiishan. Choke Cherry. Asasaweminan. Harebell. Adota’gon. Strawberry. Ode’iminan. Blueberry. Miinan. Sunflower. Giizis Waabigwan. White Sage. Mashkodewashk. 

My most recent journey has come from my privileges in education and my confidence in art. I have entered the world of Tribal Politics and Public Health. I was born Native and being born Native means your were automatically born into politics. Working in my Tribal Clinic has brought me the most success and challenges in my life so far. What keeps me continuing in the work of prevention is getting to assist in the healing journey of my family.

Can we all just shiver at how beautiful the following images are about to make you feel? I want to personally thank the amazing photographer, Sabrina Leigh Studios for the gorgeous photos. The chills, the fuzzies, the little hairs on your arms, and the perma-smile as you scroll. Maybe it is just me; I can't help it! Have you ever had a bond with possession? I'm sure with this generation we all have! Those material things we hold so tight and too tightly, almost obsess over - the stuffed animal, a blankie named "Boo," your cell phone that you can't carry over ledges without your heart pounding. Even my soul breaks when someone drops a phone, it's not even my phone, but we both cringe and anticipate the turn over to see whether the screen smashed and life is over, or if it is saved, and we can all breathe again.  Our love for our materials is insane. 

The depth of love one can have for a single possession is the exact passion I have put into this dress. The love and care I have had in creating this dress. The stress and struggle that the dress and I have faced together. The effort and education that I endured from taking on such a project. This dress has been one of my longest and toughest projects I have ever committed fully too, in my life! Well, maybe my business in general counts as the longest and most difficult project I have endured.

I have currently been in full sewing, seam ripping, beading every night, regalia making mode since late January for a very unique project. It has definitely been keeping me busy! As usual, the race to finish before the summer powwow trail is as real as ever. 

I learned my time management skills in two very specific places, or should I say "professional practice" skills. One is from the art school environment that molded my thought process.  Deadlines and long nights, the art school has trained me well. It prepared me for real-world critiques and taught me how to speak for my work. The other is from my fabulous former boss, Rae from Made by Rae. She was a scientist, a perfectionist when it came to her process and work ethic. I appreciated seeing that more than ever when working by her side, especially when I was in the midst of committing to an art career. Even I thought I was going to be only painting in my room/living room/studio/bedroom all day, every day with no money, but she put it into perspective how to make art a career and how to make it successful!

Now here I am, graduated thinking my hectic college life scramble/schedule was over.  However, my google calendar determined that was a lie! I am still managing to do it all. I recently just told my sorority sister who just graduated a few weeks ago, that it doesn't change once your out. You still manage to find the things that keep you busy, stressed, excited, and over all unconditionally happy. 

So here I am now beading, sewing, creating, teaching, enlightening, learning, traveling, coordinating, facilitating, connecting, making, and sharing.

 The Sealed in Ice Collection has been live for a little over a week, and I am so ecstatic at all the support and love so far!!! Thank you all so much!

Since the shop opened, November 5th, 2015, I have been asked to share insight on materials, care, and pricing. I am a one woman shop. I am running a business, marketing, production, and distributing (plus whatever else comes with the gig) all by myself. I turned from the artist/maker to the CEO, in what seems to have happened overnight.

As CEO, I want my brand to keep a consistent and transparent tradition, so I am happy to share where I gather my materials, how to care for the Sealed in Ice Collection, and why you want to pay for quality!
​

I started "tashinaemery.com" as a professional portfolio during Professional Practice Course, last October, while finishing my Senior year at the University of Michigan.  I have worked so hard on turning it into my vision of a Boutique specializing in Indigenous fashion and storytelling. The past fourth months were focusing primarily on my craft and writing. I am beyond excited and happy to have my work available to the community and public.

I can envision my Winter 2015 Collection and future work becoming the connection of two worlds merging, the modern with the natural. All my work tends to encompass the world I grew up in (on a small reservation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) with the touches of my Native American roots and integrates my fresh perspective, acquired knowledge and sophisticated style gained from exploration and travel these past few years. My work comes together to represent privilege and discourse. Illustrating the first encounter of new two worlds, a replaying of clashing cultures and what derives from it. 

Buy Native, Stay Authentic and Shop my trendy, one of a kind jewelry! Shop the Winter 2015 Collection "Sealed in Ice" Now! Each pair of earrings is timeless and depicts the bold statement each ensemble requires.​

If you're a local customer and you'd like to pick up your order instead of paying for shipping just enter coupon code: LOCALPICKUP when checking out. Then contact me to arrange a time to pick up your purchase!
​
Chi-Miigwetch (Thanks),
Tashina

And don't forget to Share and follow on Social Media!
 #SealedInIce #TLEjewelry #TashinaLeeEmery