Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aurianna Oricchio-gilley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aurianna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is the amount of time I need to spend on social media to be successful. While it can be rewarding, it can also feel disheartening. I might pour hours into creating a post or video, only for it to barely get any attention. Instagram’s algorithm often works against me, but it’s still essential for sharing my art, which can be frustrating. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to not let social media dictate my worth or how I share my work. I understand what Instagram’s algorithm favors, but if I’m not comfortable making a quick, trendy reel just for the views, I won’t do it. It’s crucial for me to feel good about what I share of myself. Beading is deeply personal, and I’m not willing to compromise my values just for content. While there isn’t a perfect solution to this dilemma, I’ve managed to find a balance between meeting social media expectations and staying true to my own principles.

Aurianna , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Aurianna, an Indigenous bead weaver from Oklahoma. I create handwoven beaded earrings, loom-woven chokers, and strung necklaces and bracelets made with stones. I started my business in 2020 after losing my job due to the pandemic. At first, I mostly sold to family and friends for very little as I honed my skills. Then, unexpectedly, I was offered the chance to create beadwork for Reservation Dogs. This was a pivotal moment for me, one that helped me recognize my potential as a paid artist. I’m deeply grateful and honored for the opportunity to contribute to an Indigenous-led production in my own community.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I’ve always struggled to see my beadwork as a business. Beading isn’t and has never been my full time job. It is supplementary, and I can rely on it when I need to. Although I could bead full time it is not the direction I’d like to take. Beading is a special meditation for me, a space where I feel creative. Placing financial pressure on my art form would take away the organic nature of my craft. Additionally beading is a slow craft. It can take me anywhere from two to eight hours to make a single piece depending on the complexity. This doesn’t align with a high-demand production model, nor would I want to compromise the quality of my work to meet that demand. I think many creatives can relate to the challenge of blending passion with profit. Some of my peers don’t understand why I wouldn’t want to turn my beadwork into a full-time career, but it’s not that simple. If I’m being truthful, I wish I could gift my beadwork all of the time, that money didn’t have to be involved at all. This isn’t the reality, but I dream of it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The community I’ve discovered in the beading world has made me feel truly valued as an artist. For people to recognize what I put into my craft and support my ability to do so lends to a feeling that is unmatched. I receive uplifting and encouraging messages from strangers every day, reminding me of my worth and motivating me to keep creating. Beading has also opened a peaceful, safe space in my life—a place I can always turn to when the world feels overwhelming, which is more often than not in such uncertain times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sownseedbead.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sownseedbead/

Image Credits

Kari Rowe (@karirowephotography), Edgar Salmerón (@edgarsomething), Allison Barr (@alliisonder)