"mAKING A DIFFERENCE IN INDIAN COUNTRY. ONE NATIVE YOUTH AT A TIME"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Ballew is a Potawatomi and Chippewa living on the Saginaw Chippewa Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  She is an honor roll student in the 6th grades at Shepherd middle school.  Sarah and her family spend most weekends traveling the country participating in pow wows.  She is a very talented young fancy shawl dancer with a prosperous pow wow dancing future ahead of her. 

For more on Sarah's business, Rez Click Production, click here to view this downloadable flyer. PDF Document 105KB

Sarah Ballew is a Potawatomi and Chippewa living on the Saginaw Chippewa Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.  She is an honor roll student in the 6th grades at Shepherd middle school.  Sarah and her family spend most weekends traveling the country participating in pow wows.  She is a very talented young fancy shawl dancer with a prosperous pow wow dancing future ahead of her. 

Attending pow wows, Sarah has not only gained dance experience, but also work experience.  On several occasions, Sarah has worked for the pow wow vendor Two Eagles Art & Design who specializes in Native apparel.  Sarah usually helps with set-up, sales, and packing.  Todd Harder, owner of Two Eagles Art & Design, says, “Sarah is a hard working young girl.  Even at her age I know I can trust her to work hard and well with customers.”  Sarah’s experience working the Two Eagles’ stand led her to the decision to start her own clothing line for Native youth.  Sarah has applied and been approved for a Rural Youth Loan to start her small business, Rez Kid Productions.  Sarah’s sale merchandise will include beaded eyewear accessories, Native logo youth purses, Native logo youth t-shirts, and Native themed throw pillows.  She will lease space at the Two Eagles Art & Design stand to display and sell her merchandise.

Outside of pow wows, Sarah says she “enjoys writing stories and poetry, athletics, and especially participating in her heritage and culture.”  Sarah Ballew is a bright and talented young lady.  Her business, Rez Kid Productions, will be an excellent opportunity for her to earn money, develop work ethics, and work experience.  Sarah plans to use the profits from her business to finance her college career at either Harvard or the University of Oklahoma.

The Indian Credit Outreach Program understands that investing in Native youth is essential for the prosperity of our communities.  We have been honored to assist Sarah Ballew develop her business, Rez Kid Productions, and are certain of her future success.  We wish you the best of luck and opportunities Sarah!