Hello everyone!

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to all of you who have been supporting me on my beadwork journey! 🦋 My business, Kimimila’s Beadwork (pronounced KEE-MEE-MEE-LAH), is named after the Lakota word for butterfly. If we haven’t met yet, my name is Kimey Begaye, and I am half Diné and half Lakota. I was born and raised in Winslow, Arizona, and moved to Pauma, California, when I was 16. I graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, as a ✨first-generation✨ student with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Human Services—Class of 2023!

I began my serious journey into beadwork at the start of 2020. I've worked with beads of all shapes and sizes, starting my journey with a lot of trial and error. Learning to bead on my own posed challenges, particularly in figuring out which materials to use, the appropriate sizes of beads, and where to source my supplies. However, over the past few years, I've explored various sizes and styles to discover what works best for me. My work incorporates a diverse range of materials, including traditional elements such as hide, fur, shell, berries, and sinew.

I began to sell my artwork, I decided to share my passion and all the knowledge I knew to others. Beadwork has not only helped me fund my college education but has also allowed me to connect and immerse myself with my Indigenous culture.

During my final semester of college, I had the privilege of teaching several beadwork classes at the Native American Center, where I showed college students how to create earrings, keychains, and bead their graduation caps. I also participated in a business competition at Fort Lewis College and was thrilled to win! This recognition provided me with funds to establish Kimimila’s Beadwork as an LLC.

Since 2020, I’ve had the honor of teaching beadwork classes online and in person and traveling to various vendor events across states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, as well as shipping my loved creations to over 20 states nationwide. My designs are unique, blending traditional elements with a modern flair to engage younger generations. It’s vital to pass on Indigenous culture to the youth, as they are our future!

In 2024 I’ve accomplished many new achievements within my beadwork. By beading medallions for 17 native high school graduates, being a first time fashion designer while represent Missing Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) at the “Walking Through Boarders, United Through Culture.” Fashion Show in Denver, Colorado. and being apart of the 2024 Nation Tribal Indigenous Climate Conference in Anchorage Alaska! I was 1 of 3 Indigenous artists nationwide that won the Young Tribal Leaders Art Contest established by the BIA. I had the chance to speak about environmental issues happening on the Navajo Reservation through my beadwork. I love being able to evolve myself with my beadwork.

I’ve had the honor to create so many pieces these past years and am very excited what the new year will bring! I am always open to custom orders, so please feel free to reach out for your own one-of-a-kind piece! ❤️

Creating beadwork is not just an art form; it is medicine and healing.  Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and for supporting me on this journey! 🫶🏼 Ahéhee’ - Philámayay - Thank you! -Kimey