COMMUNITY STORIES: TOMMEY JODIE
In my Diné-centric community, I learned early on that community care and reciprocity are essential for a prospering life.
Growing up in a rodeo family deeply rooted these values in me because rodeo is grounded in the idea of community care. From early childhood through high school, nearly every weekend I spent at rodeos with my family, surrounded by relatives and friends
My love for rodeo, horses, the desert, and the Southwest — alongside pastel hues and poetic intelligence — has shaped my artistic vision and the way I create.
Our Diné creation stories, passed down through generations, are both poetic and artistic, and they are ingrained in how I carry myself as a Diné woman.
As Diné, we have always been artists, and I take that belief into everything I create. My work reflects this truth: that we are still here, creating and breaking through barriers.
While I hold my small-town life in Winslow close, I wanted to live in a city and explore opportunities beyond what was available at home.
Moving to Tucson has been an eye-opening experience. The different seasons, scenes, and landscapes have expanded my perspective and enriched my creativity. With the support of my professors, parents, and mentors, I’ve traveled to places like Boston and Alaska, deepening my passion for Indigenous food sovereignty. These journeys have been pivotal, fueling my creative work and giving me the drive to keep going.
My passion for Food Studies stems from my commitment to community care, especially through the lens of Indigenous food sovereignty. It’s fulfilling to explore how food systems impact our communities and reclaim our traditional foodways.
Everything I do is for my people — for our collective betterment.
I create bold, bright, and often pastel handmade earrings, necklaces, and beaded hats that I like to think of as wearable poetry.
I started the business in January 2020, when I was still in high school, so it’s been a journey of about five years. Over time, B&A has grown and evolved, but it has always been deeply personal and inspired by my Diné roots.
When I founded Butterflies and Azee' as a senior in high school, I didn’t feel like I belonged to any particular community. But as my business began to grow, I connected with many Indigenous artists who shared the same passion for creation.
Through these connections, I found a sense of belonging and wanted to show that Indigenous people are still here, thriving and creating, while contributing to the larger conversation around art and identity.
I wanted to be surrounded by people who want to help each other grow. Creatives are naturally generous, and Student-Made embodies that collective spirit.
It’s a space where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to rise together.
They’ve shown me what it means to give selflessly and have given me so many opportunities to share my art.
Most recently, I was part of their Book Drop Tour, where 10,000 books were distributed to Indigenous youth across the Navajo and Hopi Reservations. The NGBC team has encouraged me so much, both as an artist and a poet, and I’m deeply grateful for everything they’ve done for me.
Every day offers something new, whether it’s a conversation, a small detail in nature, or a new color palette I see while walking through Tucson. I’m very intentional with my surroundings.
As a Navajo woman, I believe that what you surround yourself with can affect you spiritually, and in turn, mentally. So, I make sure to surround myself with goodness, love, and intention. That’s where I find new inspiration.
Since beadwork is one of my ways of storytelling — a way for me to have my voice heard as someone from a marginalized identity — I don’t bead all the time. But when I do, it’s always with a sound mind and heart.
Being surrounded by people who are passionate about their crafts, and who are navigating their own unique journeys, has been inspiring. I’ve learned that creativity is not just a personal experience but also something that grows when shared.
I want to carry with me the relationships and lessons I’ve gained — especially the idea that we’re stronger when we uplift each other.
I hope to help create a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued for their unique contributions.
Whether it’s through my role as community engagement manager or by sharing my experiences as a creator, I want to leave behind a culture of collaboration, where we’re not just building businesses but also meaningful connections.
I believe this community has the potential to become something really special, and I’m excited to see it grow.
I want it to remain rooted in the values that inspired me to start — reflecting my culture, my experiences, and the beauty I see in the world around me.
I hope to continue collaborating with organizations and people who align with these values, as well as expanding the reach of my business so that more people can experience what Butterflies and Azee' stands for.
It’s not always easy to manage the logistics while staying true to the heart of why I create. There will also be moments where I need to come up with new concepts and push past creative blocks.
But I see victories in staying true to my vision, connecting with more people, and continuing to create pieces that resonate with others.
