We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josie Rios. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josie below.
Alright, Josie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
To promote visibility and create a safe, inclusive environment for our Indigenous, LGBTQ+, Non-Binary, Transgender, and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) community members. This space is dedicated to fostering community engagement, mutual support, and empowerment.
It is meaningful to me because I have the opportunity to observe the growth and milestones of the Market vendors, as well as the engagement from the community
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a member of the Akimel O’otham (Gila River Indian Community) and the creator of Beads Over Diamonds in Tucson, AZ, specializing in handcrafted beaded jewelry, primarily earrings. As a vendor myself, I encountered various challenges associated with participating in markets, such as acquiring proper setup equipment and managing high fee costs. Starting my small business was a daunting experience, and despite having some mentors to seek guidance from, I found there was still much to learn independently. This inspired me to consider the common obstacles faced by others and to explore ways I could support my community in reaching their full potential.
As a result, The Indigenous Market was established. This Marketplace features local artisans from diverse Indigenous Nations, Tribes, and Communities, including silversmith jewelry makers, mixed media artists, beading artisans, bakers, chefs, and musicians. The market operates with minimal to no vendor fees and welcomes both experienced vendors and newcomers participating in market events for the first time.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe that honesty and transparency have been key to building reputation. Clearly identifying my intentions and following through on them has also been important. I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected. Ensuring a safe and comfortable space for all individuals—whether they are selling their creations, shopping, dining, or enjoying entertainment—is a top priority. Additionally, the Indigenous Market serves not only as a platform to support Indigenous creatives but also as an opportunity to enjoy music and dance, with MizSkoden consistently serving as our main DJ since the inaugural event.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the significant lessons I had to unlearn was my fear of taking risks.
For many years, I hesitated to put myself in the spotlight or be vulnerable, largely due to past experiences where taking chances did not lead to positive outcomes. Ultimately, I took a bold step forward by becoming a Store Manager, dedicating considerable effort to becoming the leader I aspired to be. During that time, I experienced numerous achievements, but also faced setbacks and failures. These challenges often overshadowed my efforts, and with each setback, I felt I was regressing. As a leader, I unfortunately internalized these difficulties as personal failures, which impacted my mental health significantly. Recognizing the need for change, I decided to leave the retail industry and explore new opportunities.
I transitioned to a part-time role at Pop-Cycle, a local small business gift shop in Tucson. Initially, my approach was to focus on completing my tasks and following instructions, but I quickly learned that the team-oriented environment encouraged open communication and feedback. Their support was refreshing and instrumental in helping me adjust my perspective.
While establishing The Indigenous Market, Pop-Cycle’s team continued to be strong advocates, teaching me to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and to embrace uncertainty by taking smaller, manageable risks. I am now approaching two years of hosting The Indigenous Market. This experience has renewed my confidence in taking risks, putting myself out there, and trying new initiatives.
One of the highlights was organizing an art show to raise funds and awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIW/MMIP). The event brought together artists and community members to support the grassroots organization Indivisible Tohono, which works tirelessly to keep MMIW/MMIP issues at the forefront of public consciousness. Recently, I had the honor of participating as a panelist at Ten West, a professional development conference. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with inspiring individuals in the community, and I am grateful for the mutual support we continue to provide each other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigimkt_at_the_coalition_?igsh=M3l2ZjY3djNvNHFu&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/indigenousmkttucson?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=66e998a0-2d16-4da5-844e-6e5ab1c8aad0
Image Credits
Pop-Cycle Shop
Julius Schlosburg
Kathleen Dreier