Chenoa Williams

I am Afro/Indigenous, my mom is Paiute and my father is African American. I was raised on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in Nevada. I saw lots of good beadwork growing up from my family, friends, and at local trading posts. I always knew that when someone needed money on the rez, they could make some beadwork and go to the tribal offices to sell it. I started making beadwork at age 13 and selling it at age 15. We did not have a lot of money, so this was a way I could help buy us food. I have been making and selling my bead art since, and it has always been a safety net for me and my current family. I have been making and selling beadwork full time for the past four years. I am inspired by pop culture, stories I heard growing up, fruits and berries, aliens, myths, and science. I feel like the blood memories are strong in bead-workers. My most rewarding experiences are inspiring others, and showing them that it can be done, and you can express yourself and your creativity through beads. I have taught many people to bead and love to see the journey they have taken, and how much better they become.