Native Youth Entrepreneurs Stepping Up
As a business owner, I’m constantly on the go — working with clients, promoting my brand and seeking new
opportunities to collaborate. While the work never stops, I enjoy taking a pause to give back to our Native
community.
I had an opportunity a couple of weeks ago as an invited business panelist at the “ASU RECHARGE
Conference” for Native youth. ASU hosts this annual conference to engage and empower Native mid- and
high school students to “take charge of their education and invest in their future and community.”
These are the types of sessions I most enjoy, when young Native students are motivated and engaged to
learn about becoming entrepreneurs and seeking their own footprint in this fast-changing business world.
While the session did focus on important tips and lessons learned for these up-n- comers, I was amazed to
learn how some of these students are already steps ahead in the game.
From t-shirt designer and Native music promoter to a 12-year old martial arts trainer, these students already
know a thing or two about taking risks and stepping up. Not only are they turning their skills into a business
trade, they are invested in our tribal communities.
One aspiring teen fashion designer learned to sew from his grandmother; made traditional clothing; and
started designing contemporary dresses. Because he aspired to attend the National UNITY conference, he
utilized his designing skills to raise funds. Not only did he succeed, his ambition was noticed and his tribe
stepped forward to help fund his trip. This year, this same student is developing a scholarship to help
another student in need attend the National UNITY conference.
I’m proud of these young Native entrepreneurs and impressed with their ingenuity. I want to encourage them
and others taking that first step, there is always room to grow and expand your knowledge. Because these
students wanted to know how to take their business ideas to the next level and get help where needed, I
wanted to share some business tips that I have learned as a business owner.
- Start with your passion: Once you identify your service/product, do your research. Is it
a marketable product/service? Yes? Start your business. No? Enjoy your hobby. - Seek mentorship and support: Look for resources and peers in the same field. There
are mentors willing to help and funders interested in your ideas. Find them. Ask the
person who is where you want to be to become your mentor. - Respect yourself and others: You are your brand. Especially in Indian Country where
we are all connected, be intentional in everything you do (i.e. social media, marketing,
etc). - Promote yourself: You are always marketing yourself, whether you know it or not. Be
positive. - Give back: Just as you needed help, there are others like you needing advice and
support.
Often in my business, I challenge my peers and clients to be open-minded, to think outside the box to
approach and solve problems. This time, these young Native entrepreneurs challenged me to change my
own thinking of the state of entrepreneurship in Indian Country. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive among the
young Native generation and they are out there, showing up and doing it.