We recently connected with Charletta Yazzie and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Charletta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The first time I came as an artist was from my family. My mom,aunt and grandmother were weavers of making Navajo sash belts and designs with full of colors. I started to weave when I was maybe like 10 or 12 to make key chains. Those were like $3-$5. And as I got older. I started to make Navajo sash colors for hair ties to leggings. Then was lanyards. Those were my best sellers when my mom would sell them for me. I would make them for my school supplies and clothes.
Then few years when by and I would make little crafts here and there to sell such as pendants and purses.
When I got into college. I started to make art such as drawing and painting. Then when I moved to Santa Fe to recieve my BFA I owned my first sewing machine to make fabric purse and woven purse. And still making lanyards and key chains.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Navajo artist from Lukachukai AZ. Now resides in Ganado Az with my family of my own. My boyfriend name is Duhon James.
How I got into business was growing up with my family. My mom, aunt and grandmother who make a living with weaving and sewing. They are the ones who taugh me to weave and sew and how I can make money until I find a job. When I came to Santa Fe with Duhon. I open my eyes and heart to learn from what was around me. Having the opportunity to use my creativity from my family. Duhon was really interested in doing printmaking. I was doing painting. When there was markets happening Duhon had help me go into business with our art. I was amazed how much people were there selling art to apparel.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My most rewarding as being an artist was I was open to many things and being interested of using my knowledge that my family had taught me. Me using my painting and Duhon work to make t-shirts and bags for everyone to wear as an art piece and it was an original.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first got into the art market in Santa Fe. I started small and few large paintings. And more of my handmade totes and woven coin purse and lanyards. We didn’t really mention it on social media or had many audience. The audience were the ones who were shopping for gifts for family and friends.
My advice to those who are starting to build. That it’s okay to start small and have items put together to make somthing. It helps to have other objects you are interested to sell and make. It will grow and you will learn from what your customers are looking for and asking for.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: charstar_23

Image Credits

Duhon james and myself