We are excited to introduce you to Lamaya Jarrell, owner of Many Stages Jewelry, for Native American Heritage Month. Lamaya shared with us about her enlightening experience working with Xcelerate and how she started her business. 

What inspired you to start your business? 

My path of the Red Road. My sobriety, living a life without mind altering substances.  I am a Woman of Wellbriety, the Native way of recovery. It's always been my dream to own my own business, to be an entrepreneur and my own boss, to share my craft and talents through my handmade jewelry. I want to show my community of young ladies that they can succeed doing their passion, that this could never be possible without the Creator.

What kind of advice would you pass on to someone who is thinking about starting a business? 

All things are first done through the Creator-Higher Power. It takes humility, courage, self examination. Those things in your heart will help guide you and you'll just know! Not to give up! Yes! The not so good days will feel like the highest hurdle so ask for guidance when you need it. Put yourself out there - it's all there -  just waiting for you.

How has your identity as a woman and any and all other intersectional identities impacted your business? 

We all know the world has been structured in a way that makes it difficult for women to succeed. It’s a man’s world and we have to work EXTRA HARD to succeed. The important thing is to not be ignorant or let it set you back. The struggle is real! Being a Black/Indigenous woman I am judged immediately by my outside appearance and that makes it even harder to succeed. With hard work & endurance you can still succeed. 

What wins are you celebrating with Xcelerate?

Working on my website, Instagram business profile set up, my logo, networking,  sales improvement,  confidence,  feeling empowered.

Many thanks to Lamaya for sharing her story.