Feisty Female Friday: Bethany Yellowtail

The FFF this week is Bethany Yellowtail.

Bethany is a Native American fashion designer who is known for her work that reflects her Indigenous heritage. She is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, a descendant of the Crow Tribe of Montana, and serves as designer and CEO for her line B.Yellowtail.

She was born in a small rural town and grew up on the Crow Reservation. Bethany’s parents and family members had been involved in creating Indigenous artistry all throughout her life. Her aunts and grandmothers taught her to sew. She attended the FIDM and started incorporating Native American Designs in her work. Bethany created her own company, B.Yellowtail, to accurately represent Native American Culture and was selected as a First Peoples Fund Artist in Business Leadership Fellow. As a Native designer, she advises cultural appropriation in the fashion industry.

Bethany is an active supporter of women's rights and has created a custom-designed scarf featuring Native American women, each wearing a War Bonnet to underscore female empowerment and respect, worn by the many Indigenous women as part of the Indigenous Women Rise movement. Her Rez Girl Mentorship Fund provides opportunities for vulnerable Indigenous communities who have been affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) epidemic.

Bethany has also included the works of several Native American artists and designers as part of The B.Yellowtail Collective in her efforts to support fellow Native Americans entrepreneurs. Her design line is now located in LA where she relocated to launch her company.

Her passion for fashion started in her youth as she leaned sewing and beadwork from her aunt and grandmother, started making powwow shawls for her family, and made her own clothes in high school. Bethany has also had an artist spotlight at the Portland Art Museum and The Field Museum in Chicago which discussed her heritage, designs, and what drives her inspiration in the fashion industry. Bethany was selected for Visas "She's Next in Fashion" and was recognized at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards. Her designs are also featured on the Carhart Women’s Line.

Today she lives in Montana, is married, and actively encourages fellow Native American designers.