Calivika Shareholder Highlight
Q&A with Rebecca Wilbur of Tundra Flower Designs
Storyknife, January/February 2024 edition
Rebecca Wilbur of Tundra Flower Designs brings together arts and crafts with culture for her own style that resonates with Shareholders.
She started her business during the peak of the pandemic. Rebecca has always completed arts and crafts each winter and found it to be a good opportunity to connect with other artists.
Tundra Flower Designs can be found through her main link:
WHAT IS YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE WITH TUNDRA FLOWER DESIGNS?
The biggest reward is how our people resonate with the work. We don’t really see what represents who we are as a readily available shopping option. Seeing people excited to wear and recognize the design, and appreciating and celebrating our lifestyle helps me to continue the work of representing our Yup’iaq people.
WHAT THREE THINGS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF YOUR BUSINESS?
Persistence, dedication to the cause and vision. Also, the support of my family.
HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS GROWN?
The work has become recognizable. I’ve built my business with the intention of sharing what I know without hesitation. This has helped build a big audience of creators who want to learn.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS?
The only opinion that matters is your own. When you love your work, the concept, the design process, the soul of your work will reveal itself in time. You develop a style that is like no other, that is what makes your business what it is.
HOW DOES YOUR CULTURAL HERITAGE INSPIRE AND SHAPE YOUR BUSINESS PRACTICES?
Every aspect of my work represents my home of Quinhagak and my life experiences.
I create imagery that represents what I think is beautiful and represents what we love about the land and our life. I hope to see younger people continue to love and respect where they come from and appreciate the efforts we make in preservation of our traditions, customs and lifestyle. I also hope more young people are inspired to get out of their comfort zone and share their work with the world.
WHAT FUTURE PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR TUNDRA FLOWER DESIGNS?
I would like to expand my fabric line into retail, I will continue to do beadwork in the winter.
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