Secwepemc L.I.F.E. Newsletter Issue 10

Jessica Johnny Beaded Jewelry

Jessica can bead just about anything. Specializing in flat beadwork, Jessica creates earrings, medallions, lanyards, pendants, keychains, beaded purses and wallets and can bead just about anything with custom orders. Jessica started beading as a teenager when she noticed the beautiful beadwork at powwows that ignited her desire to bead. Jessica sought out teachers and learned to bead by dedicating her time to an art she found immensely enjoyable. After her first hair set for a jingle dress was completed, Jessica began to sell beading. She made moccasins, leggings and regalia work for jingle dress dancing. She was an entrepreneur at a young age. Jessica is known around these parts for her beading, often contracted to create pieces by the local bands and as far out as Enderby to create custom beadwork. Jessica loves the art of beading and bringing to life beautiful creations. Next, she looks forward to beading adorned sneakers and beaded hat rims.

One of the challenges of being an artist has been overcoming self-doubt about the quality of work. Jessica has gained confidence over time, pushing herself to continually improve and evolve with her work. The work itself is healing, Jessica has found beading to be good for mental well-being, calming her down, relieving anxiety and stress when she is overwhelmed with life. Her biggest success is getting her name out there as a beadworker in a positive way. Having her work remembered and recognized from years ago has been rewarding and encouraging. Indeed Jessica is known around Secwepemcul’ecw for her beautiful beadwork.