Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierrah Yazzie.
Hi Sierrah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ya’ateeh (Hello)! My name is Sierrah Yazzie I am the owner of Navajo Sage Creations LLC.
I am from Wide Ruins, AZ (a small community located on the Navajo Reservation). I am 27 years old, a mother of two, and a wife. I am Bitter Water born for the Towering House people, my maternal grandparents are San Carlos Apache, my paternal grandparents are the Big Water people. This is how I define myself as a Diné Asdzaan (Navajo Woman).
In the Fall of 2019, my little family and I relocated to the Kansas City area. My husband decided to join the carpenters union and work alongside my parents. Many of our Native people leave the reservation to get a better education or a better-paying job with good benefits. While being a stay-at-home mom, I decided to design a planner for myself in the Navajo language for the 2021 year.
It was a planner I’ve never seen done before and I wanted to create it to remind me of home (the reservation) and to help me retain the Navajo language. Once I was done designing my planner, I told my husband “Take me to Office Max to bind my planner”.
Once it was done my husband loved the planner as he is fluent in the Navajo language. I am not fluent although I understand the language very well. He suggested I upload the planner to Facebook, so I did. With the power of social media, I received an outpouring of responses on where to purchase the planners.
Summer of 2021, I decided to make my small business official and became Navajo Sage Creations LLC. Without putting many thoughts into it I jumped into the business shindig before scaring myself by having second thoughts about making it official. For the 2021 year, I printed 50 planners, due to already being halfway through the year. As well as not having the right office equipment to distribute more planners.
Silly me overworking my poor little office jet printer and continuously having to buy ink every 3-5 planners printed. LOL! I also became a regular at Office Max, which was the place I was getting the planners bound before being able to purchase my own binding machine. Before the release of the 2022 Daily Planners, I was able to upgrade my printer to be able to produce more and print a little quicker.
The 2022 planners were hot sellers since my customers are mainly based on the reservation; my little family and I were making quick trips home to the rez to sell during the Christmas bazaars and at the local flea markets. I enjoy selling in person to interact directly with customers. My planners were being purchased by several boarding schools across the reservation, the tribal offices, and Indian Health Services employees.
Keep in mind that I am on a one-person team majority of the time, tackling small to large orders in my home-based office. I do get help from my husband after he returns home from work.
It brings immense joy to my heart knowing my products are playing a part in preserving the language. My main goal is to help retain the Navajo language, knowing that planners are a repetitive use will help others learn the days, numbers, months, states, etc. in Navajo.
I am slowly, but surely adding more products and merchandise to my business, as the Navajo language differs across the Navajo reservation I am doing my best to incorporate the different ways the words and phrases are said.
Although the Navajo language is unique, it is also a tough language to learn due to the pronunciations having to be said correctly. It does get tiring being in the office, being a mom/wife, but I absolutely enjoy what I do. The feedback I get from my customers warms my heart whether it is negative or positive, I am using it as a stepping stone to making Navajo Sage Creations LLC great!
At Navajo Sage Creations, we care about preserving the Navajo language with one product. Thank you!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business during the pandemic!
Some challenges I faced were shortages in supply and having to find alternative ways to receive the specific materials I use for my planners, especially the certain type of paper used. Receiving my online orders longer than expected caused me to get orders out longer than usual.
Also trying to get information on funding/assistance for Native American Woman-owned businesses. Promoting and getting my business out there has been tough, but it does take a lot of hard work and prayers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets my business apart from others is that the entirety of my products is made in the Navajo language, something that hasn’t been done before.
I’m proud of myself for pushing through the obstacles I’ve faced, it makes me happy knowing my customers love the products they’ve purchased from Navajo Sage Creations LLC. I’m grateful knowing my planners are being utilized by all age groups, knowing the younger generation is trying to relearn the language.
Also, feel accomplished knowing the older folks admire my products made in Navajo and are handmade.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I don’t have a distribution company, my planners are handmade with good thoughts.
As it is a teaching from our elders to never cook when you’re mad, to never make anything while in a bad mood. Always put good thoughts and good spirits into your cooking, creations, etc.
That’s exactly what I do, make my products with positive good thoughts.
Pricing:
- Daily Planners 11×8 $40
- Daily Planners 5×8 $30
- Desktop Calendars $20
- Logo Tshirt $25
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: navajosagecreations.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070127735483
