Native women business owners give back to moms, aunties, grandmas
BY COLLEEN KEANE
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
ALBUQUERQUE – Setting up a phone, fax machine and computer in a spare room in her home, Gena Euell started making calls letting people know she was in the business of designing and creating exhibits.
She said those were scary times but added, “I was not going to fail!”
So she picked up the phone, over and over again, and told whoever was listening, “Give me a chance!”
That was in 1999. Today Euell’s company, Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico, has a 9,400-foot facility show- casing graphic designs and signage for businesses, schools and governmental agencies.
Her clients include the U.S. Department of Energy, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories and several companies across the country.
Euell, Cochiti, is one of seven Native American women featured in “Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs of New Mexico – Surpassing Barriers and Stereotypes,” a publication supported by Jaye Francis and Raul Gouvea with the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico.
Co-authors are: Evalena Boone, Zuni (fetishes); Monica Jojola, Isleta, Montech Inc.; Stephine Poston, Sandia, Poston & Associates; Michele Justice, Diné, Personnel Security Consultants, Inc.; Ervina Grace Castillo, Diné, Quickly Cleaned Janitorial; and Jaye Francis, Laguna, The American Indian Business Association.
Four of the authors – Euell, Jojola, Poston and Castillo – shared their experiences at a meeting sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico Sept. 21 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
The event was organized by Tashina Silversmith, Diné, AICCNM membership manager. The panelists told how they shared a common characteristic that helped get their businesses off the ground.
“What kept me together was my mom because she helped me watch the kids. They were little at the time,” recalled Poston.
Her mom and aunties also showed her what a strong work ethic is like.
“They’re the first ones at the fire at 3:30 in the morning. And putting away the dishes at 9 o’clock at night. That’s how I was raised,” said Poston.
Poston started her communications firm 15 years ago with headquarters on Sandia tribal lands.
Promotional materials, media campaigns and strategic planning are some of her services. Tribes, Pueblos, Native American organizations, state and federal agencies and schools are among her clients.
Jojola also attributed her success in building Montech Inc. to the women in her community.
“Entrepreneurship is in our blood! Our people have been building sculptures and pottery, creating jewelry, making moccasins and baking bread (for centuries),” she exclaimed. Montech offers technical support solutions to government agencies and businesses.
Tears came to Euell’s eyes thinking about how much her mom, an artist, backed her up.
Sharing challenges and successes, like their moms, grandmas and aunties shared with them, the authors hope their stories will help Native women step into the business world on their own terms and succeed.
Castillo said emerging business owners never have to feel alone getting a company off the ground.
“Other Native American women entrepreneurs are there for you. They have your back. They will be sisters to you,” she advised.
Castillo, who’s since moved on to a high-level corporate position, owned a successful janitorial company for several years.
A message she delivers in her chapter, “Whatever you dream, you can do it! So dream big!”
Euell stressed network, network, network!
“It’s crucial. You can’t just sit behind your computer and expect your website to drive traffic to you. You have to get out and do leg work,” she advised.
Poston tells start up-executives to realize their worth.
“Price out your services and products (at market value),” she stated.
She added that when working with clients, she integrates values she learned growing up – respect and kindness.
Jojola suggested sitting down with established business owners.
She recalled meeting with David Milton from Sacred Power Corporation and several other established Native American entrepreneurs as she launched Montech Inc.
“They will give you ideas, coach and mentor you,” she counseled.
One of the attendees, Kim Gleason, Diné, said she was inspired by the panel discussion.
“This is beneficial. People are here to help you move toward your goals,” she noted.
Gleason is co-founder and executive director of Two Worlds.
The creative arts company produces theater and films and educational projects addressing the duality of living in Native and Western societies.
Two Worlds will soon add a nonprofit arm to its operation, one more step in its development since opening its doors in 2005.
Poston said that she appreci- ates the opportunity for her and her co-authors to tell their sto- ries but it’s only the beginning. She would like to see a sequel featuring the women who estab- lished the foundation for tribal businesses.
“They’re the hidden figures,” she said referring to the aunts, moms and grandmas who’ve been working behind the scenes for generations.
For more information, the Native Women’s Business Summit has a launch event on Oct. 11 between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Accion (2000 Zearing Ave. NW).
AICCNM luncheon mixers are held the third Thursday of every month.
Information: Tashina Silver- smith, 505-766-9545, or www.aiccnm.com.
From left to right, Kim Gleason, Diné, a business owner attending a networking luncheon last week, stands with authors Monica Jojola, Isleta, Stephine Poston, Sandia, Ervina Grace Castillo, Diné, and Gena Euell, Cochiti.