National Congress of American Indians

Founded in 1944, NCAI is the national tribal government organization consisting of over 250 member tribes from throughout the United States.

NCAI holds an annual conference each year to discuss issues and events that impact Native communities. Political, business and social leaders attend to share ideas and network. This year the event was held on October 20-24 in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.
Sister Sky participates in the event's annual tradeshow to showcase our company's products and services. What a great conference to stay connected, stay informed and discover opportunity!


Sisters with Agua Caliente Tribal Chairman, Richard Milanovich

Richard is a huge fan of Sister Sky!





Me with country recording artist, Crystal Shawanda


This Native beauty is well on her way to HUGE success. What a wonderful voice and tremendous spirit - you go sister! We are so proud of you!

Sisters with President of the National Indian Business Association, Pete Homer.

Pete knows both the struggles and success of Indian owned businesses. Thanks Pete for your constant support and words of encouragement!

On the Road Again

Off to Phoenix in the morning. Sister Sky will have a booth at the annual National Congress of American Indians trade show. Marina and I will be there all week.

Business Cards (check)
Sales Kits (check)
Lotion Samples (check)
Good Attitude (check)

One thing I've learned........if you're an entrepreneur nobody sells the vision of your company like YOU! I have three golden rules in business: believe in it, work hard and stay positive. When nothing else makes sense.......revert back to the three rules.

Saved by Friday!

What a crazy week. Beyond hectic.........the kind of week that makes you wonder if you'll survive with no casualities. We've been working non-stop for three weeks on a GIANT order for a new resort hotel. This week was the home stretch and our ship deadline was today. We got the order out - yipppeee! Add to that stress, we filed an extension on our taxes way back in April (when organized people file), so October 15th was our drop deadline. Of course we waited until the 11th hour and our accountant wasn't thrilled with our procrastination.

What was my lesson this week? I earned this weekend. I will take every moment of it and ENJOY. I won't answer e-mails, fill web orders or work on spreadsheets. I will carve pumpkins with my son, help my daughter get ready for the homecoming dance and go to a friend's birthday bonfire with my husband.

Balance.........that's my lesson.

Nothing will be perfect. It won't go smoothly. It will be hard work. Doing my best will get me there and the rest will take care of itself~

Work Smarter - Not Harder!

We just installed two more filling units to our automated production line. Words cannot describe how excited we are! We used to thump along at 30 bottles a minute - we are now bolting out 60 bottles a minute!
Manufacturing experts would say we have successfully increased our output speed and ramped up for big sales...........okay.........so we're ready. Let's go Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Jimbo's. Bring on the BIG orders! Pictured here: Tribal youth employees witness business growth in action!

Super Woman #2

Margo has been my friend since third grade. We grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. We went to college at the University of Washington. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding and I returned the honor at hers. When I feel like a complete zero......when I am having a pity party and feeling completely overwhelmed..........I am inspired by Margo. "Amazing" doesn't come close to describing this woman! Margo was the Spokane Tribe's FIRST tribal member attorney! Margo recently completed her masters degree in urban planning! Margo currently serves as a judge in a local tribal court! On top of all that..... she is a single parent, raising three small children. Margo.......you rock!
You go girl!

Seven Generations

Our logo is unique and meaningful to us both personally and culturally.
On top of our company name sits seven "feathers" to represent the Native American Seven Generations Concept.

We explain the concept this way: children are our most precious resource. They represent our proud past and our bright future. Our company is committed to protecting and providing for not just this generation but the future seven generations. As company owners, we care deeply about contributing to the health of our community while building a sustainable and responsible business for future generations. Pictured here: Sophie, Patty and Stephanie at the annual Spokane Tribal Pow Wow.

Our Spirit Sister

Kathy is our spirit sister.

Due to insanely hectic schedules, we can go weeks without talking but when we get together, it's just magic! We laugh, we joke, we advise each other on jeans, earrings and lip gloss. We talk about our kids, husbands, homes and jobs. Our children went to the same pre-school, our families have vacationed in Mexico together. Kathy and I were bridesmaids in Marina's wedding. Kathy camps out with us at tribal pow-wows and travels to traditional ceremonies to be by our side!

Kathy is a true spirit sister: a relationship as powerful and nourishing as those linked by birth. We love you Kat! Pictured: Kathy (left) Marina (center) Monica (right)

-Monica

Happy Birthday Kevin

People often ask me how Kevin is doing.......he is after all the reason I started making lotion some 13 years ago. He is the inspiration behind the company and has a lotion named after him: "Kevin's Cure." Kevin is doing just fine. He has outgrown his severe eczema. He has a few outbreaks but manages it well with his lotion. In fact, he has become quite the spokesperson for Kevin's Cure Lotion. He takes samples of his lotion to school to share and then tells people where to buy! He is a healthy, hilarious, bright, witty kid who loves to skateboard and hang out with his buddies. Kev turned 14 today. He is pictured here with his cousin, Sophie. Kevin's Cure Body Lotion is available at: http://www.sistersky.com/
-Monica