about the artist

Person with long hair and glasses standing outdoors, wearing a green crochet top and earrings, with trees in the background and sunlight creating a lens flare.

eLLISSA thompsoN

Ellissa (Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma) grew up in the Bay Area, where she was always drawn to the beadwork worn by powwow dancers and the aunties around her — intricate pieces that carried beauty, tradition, and story. Though she felt intimidated at first, she picked up a needle and thread at 22 and found herself beading late into the night, fueled by excitement and purpose.

When the COVID-19 pandemic moved her work and school life online, Ellissa chose to deepen her relationship with beadwork — turning a budding passion into both a livelihood and a way to stay connected to community. Along the way, she’s found deep support and learning in the beading circle at Intertribal Friendship House Oakland, in the wider Bay Area Native community, and with her relatives in Chickasaw Country.

Each piece she creates reflects gratitude — for her teachers, her community, and the ongoing cultural continuance that beadwork carries forward.
In addition to selling her work, Ellissa also offers workshops and consultations focused on Indigenous arts, land stewardship, and cultural continuance.

Logo with text 'Ihoo Taloowa Beads Singing Woman' on a pink background.

At the core, Ihoo Taloowa is a celebration of culture, care, and creativity. With the grounding value that beadwork is more than adornment, it’s a way to share my culture, story, and love with the world. I hope you feel that love in every piece, and that you carry that story with you when someone says, “Oh my goodness! I love your earrings!”

The name Ihoo Taloowa means “Singing Woman” in Chikashshanompa’ (the Chickasaw language), inspired by my background in music. It’s pronounced:
ee-ho tah-lo-wah

Thank you for being part of this journey. - E

Woman holding a black cat next to a colorful mosaic wall.

kat herman-williams

Kat is a 26-year-old artist, beader, and web developer based in Seattle, Washington. A member of the Choctaw Nation with Kiowa, Lakota, and Caddo heritage, she was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, and later moved to the West Coast to attend the University of Redlands, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

Alongside her creative practice, Kat is the developer behind this website — combining her technical expertise with a deep love for Indigenous art, design, and community-centered work.

For web development inquiries, reach out to: katherinehw@icloud.com