Meet Lillie Nell

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Lillie Nell was named for my paternal grandmother, who unfortunately I was never able to meet in this life. Granny Lillie Nell was the matriarch of our family and an honored elder in our community. She was a seamstress of traditional Choctaw dresses, a Sunday school teacher, and gardener.

That is so sweet, tell us how you got started?

Lillie Nell was born out of a need to connect to my family and culture after fifteen years of searching for my biological father. Needing time for quiet meditation to process, I turned to my childhood hobby of beadwork... spending 10-14 hours daily re-learning the art and finding it to be a great medicine. As each bead is stitched with good thoughts and intentions, I have felt a greater connection to her family and ancestors.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of beadweaving is the calm it brings to my life. I was taught never to create when not in good spirits, as our energy is passed into our work. Beadwork makes me more centered and aware of my emotions. Wearers of my jewelry tell me they can feel the intentions woven into the work and that wearing my beadwork makes them feel strong.

What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by nature, Choctaw stories and mythology, traditional Choctaw patterns, and Choctaw language.

Love that! What’s a typical day like for you in your studio?

I start beading every morning around 7 am and usually stop around dinner time. I take "breaks" for sharing on social media or staging photos. It is very rare for me to take a full day away from beading, since I love what I do so much.

Do you have a favorite item you’ve created and why?

My favorite pattern is my SINTI design, which is a simplified version of the diamond pattern worn on traditional Choctaw dress. It represents the rattlesnake and respect for nature. I love that it is a small pop of my culture that can be worn casually and by everyone.

Beautiful. What do you love most about Minnesota?

Minnesota is home and is an incredibly beautiful state, which I think most of us don't think that much about or notice. I lived away from Minnesota for seven years and every time I came home I couldn't believe how lush and green MN is. It's just a gorgeous place. Our music, art, and food scene is also fantastic.

Definitely very fortunate for that here. Anything special you’d like to share?

I am an enrolled member of the The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, which may be an important piece to add to be in compliance with the Indian Arts and Crafts act of 1990. Also that non-regalia Native-made beadwork is for EVERYONE to wear and supporting Native artists is cultural APPRECIATION, not cultural appropriation. I would not be able to do what I do for a living if I wasn't supported by people from all walks of life.

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Lillie Nell:

Website | https://lillienell.com/

Instagram | @lillienellbeadworks