Ruth-Ann Thorn, an influential figure from Vista and a member of the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, has launched Native Star, a luxury boutique dedicated to Indigenous creations.
The boutique opened its doors on May 30, 2023, in the historic Yuma Building of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, a site that carries significant historical weight for Thorn.
The building was erected during a time when signs on gas lamps read ‘Indians Wanted, $25, Dead or Alive,’ a grim reminder of the prejudices Native people faced.
When the building became available last year, Thorn seized the chance to reclaim the space for those who were once excluded from it.
“I want to create a place where people can experience the beauty and creativity of Native artists in a modern context,” Thorn shared about her vision for Native Star.
Upon entering the boutique, visitors are welcomed by a vibrant display of Native artistry and culture.
From a dazzling array of couture gowns and intricately designed ribbon skirts to a carefully curated map of Native nations at the entrance, every corner of the store breathes life into Indigenous heritage.
Thorn acts as both curator and caretaker, passionately describing each piece as if the artists were family.
The store features a mixture of art forms, including hand-beaded earrings by an 80-year-old Indigenous grandmother and striking salmon skeleton jewelry.
Additionally, photographs by Navajo artist Jeremy Salazar adorn the walls, celebrating the rich landscapes and spirits of Native lands.
But Native Star is more than just a fashion boutique.
Shoppers can also find local products such as Rincon-made wine from Hunter & Mazzetti Vineyards, bags of roasted pima corn from Ramona Farms, and smoked wild salmon sourced from the Pacific Northwest.
Highlighting the innovative spirit of the boutique, Thorn introduces her own beauty line, N8iV Beauty, which aims to fill the gap of Native American products in mainstream beauty stores.
Acorn oil, a sacred ingredient among the Rincon and California tribes, serves as the star ingredient for her line.
A closer look at the decor reveals Thorn’s intention to blend traditional and contemporary narratives.
A vintage wheel from the Del Mar Racetrack hangs above the in-store coffee bar, its jockeys donning feather headdresses to acknowledge the Indigenous heritage of horsemanship in America.
A Red Bull cooler humorously rebranded as “Red Buffalo” adds a playful touch, while Native figures with braided hair appear on jackets inspired by the classic American Gothic painting.
Everything in the store has purpose and intention, aiming to present Native culture in a non-confrontational light.
“I want people to come in and appreciate Native culture, to see the beauty,” Thorn states.
Downstairs, a speakeasy is in the works, designed to host private events and showcase Indigenous art exhibits.
Thorn also plans to invite Native creators for workshops, offering cooking classes, painting sessions, and lectures that will enrich the community’s understanding of Indigenous culture.
Through Native Star, Thorn is not only uplifting Indigenous artists but also creating a space for cultural exchange, making the beauty and stories of Native people more accessible.
image source from：sandiegomagazine
