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Forty years ago, Quinault Nation elder Harvest Moon was preparing to begin college as a pre-med student with plans to become a midwife. However, she says, her ancestors had other plans.
“All of a sudden, I knew where I was supposed to go,” she said. “The ancestors, they know just where you are supposed to go; they will lead you down the river you are supposed to paddle on.”
For Moon, that meant leaning into basketweaving and storytelling. Today, with the help of Cedar Root Business Center, she makes a living selling her masterfully woven baskets, storytelling, and teaching Quinault culture.
Cat Ray, the program manager for the Cedar Root Business Center, oversees a nonprofit initiative of TAALA Fund, a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that launched in 2012 to strengthen the Quinault Nation economy through lending and support services.
Cedar Root provides a venue for selling Native-made goods and helps artists develop entrepreneurial skills to market and sell their wares.
“People wanted to buy local, Native-made items to bring home to their families,” Cat explained. “We didn’t have a strong market for that before, but Cedar Root helped bridge that gap.”
Ray first met Moon at an artist dinner hosted by Cedar Root.
“She’s a fascinating individual with a wealth of knowledge from her past experiences,” Ray recalled. “When I became program manager, Harvest started coming into the office for technical support—things like invoices and audition submissions. She didn’t need help with capital because she was already successful, but we helped her get to the next level.”
“I finally got it right,” Moon said. “Being a successful artist is about overcoming obstacles. When you go to a gift shop to sell your wares, it’s like a job interview. You have to present yourself confidently.”
Moon’s storytelling and basket weaving have taken her across Washington State and beyond. She’s brought her wares and Quinault storytelling presentations to schools, community events, and the headquarters of some of the world’s largest corporations and most recognized brands, like Microsoft, REI, and Hewlett-Packard. Moon smiled as she described seeing school-aged children take an interest in storytelling and corporate employees open up to the power of Native storytelling.
“[The storytelling presentation] gives corporations an opportunity to see the well-founded structure of living that we Quinault had,” she said. “People have told me that they’ve researched and learned more about the stories I tell on their own after the presentation. And sometimes, the kids grow up to be storytellers, you know, that is the fun part.”
Ray notes that Moon has become an example for artists, storytellers, and culture keepers in the Quinault community.
Both Moon and Ray offer valuable advice to budding Native artists looking to turn their passion into a business. Ray emphasizes defining your brand, creating a portfolio, developing an online presence, networking, and telling your story.
“Don’t be afraid to promote yourself,” Ray said. “We’re here to help, whether you’re just starting with an idea or ready to take your business to the next level.”
Moon points to creating balance through self-care and determination.
“Exercise, eat well, and help others,” Moon advised. “Make your art from a place of love, stay determined, and learn from your mistakes. There will be good days and bad days, but keep going.”
Difference Makers 2.0 is a yearlong series that highlights how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) work alongside their small business clients to accelerate change and create economic opportunities in Native communities. Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they shine a spotlight on the people accelerating economic change in Indian Country. Read the stories here and be sure to tune into the Difference Makers 2.0 podcast.