Working from the Heart, Binding together Ojibwe Art with Community Organizing, a new pathway for Entrepeneurship Reporting to you live from Native land today. As a small Native owned business, Heart Berry is also one of the fastest growing in the Midwest. But as a Native artist and CEO, I want to grow down and out, not only up. Alongside our collaborative partner Eighth Generation we have been able to build our reach and grow from pencil drawing and custom regalia to teaching, creating art installations, and donating thousands of dollars a year to local organizations. As Native people we often get told we are in two worlds. As an Anishinaabekwe I reject this idea. It pulls me in two...
Dreams to Fruition
It is a bittersweet moment as CEO and Founder of Eighth Generation, Louie Gong retires. What began as a vision drawing on VANS in his living room has become the most successful Native brand in the country. As Inspired Natives collaborators, Heart Berry has been so blessed to be along on this journey. We are so grateful to the vision and mentorship Gong has provided so many. Take a tour and meet the New CEO!
Most "Native" Art is Fake or Stolen. Indigenous Artists Are Fighting Back "A new generation of Indigenous Artists is decolonizing the status quo" New NBCLX Feature of Eighth Generation and Heart Berry's work to Fight Back “The pattern of these companies that exploit Indigenous communities is to partner with people who don’t have a voice,” Gong said. “Native artists are trying to reclaim the story and create something for future generations.” "Heart Berry, which sells blankets, earrings, T-shirts and more has doubled year over year, making it one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in Minnesota. She says running her business is familiar territory as a Native American." Interested in supporting Native American art? O'Loughlin advised skipping auction houses altogether and...
“All we can do in this life is take the seed and grow it,” Sarah says, trailblazing ahead. “I’m not done learning yet.”
Eighth Generation shares about Howes' journey as an Inspired Natives Collaborator
A collaboration between John's Hopkins Great Lake Hub and the Fond du Lac Band brought together community members to share about their strengths and resilience. The amazing photographer Nedahness Greene and Heart Berry's Howes were asked to create art to visually represent their words. These pieces are available through Fond du Lac Reservation in Minnesota, Howes' home community. For prints and information on Nedahness Greene connect with her on her facebook. For more information on custom art from Heart Berry email info@heartberry.com Check the gallery-- Art by Sarah Agaton Howes Photo by Nedahness Greene Art by Sarah Agaton Howes Photo by Nedahness Greene Art by Sarah Agaton Howes Photo by Nedahness Greene Art by Sarah Agaton Howes Photo by Nedahness Greene...
