"Small Feather Empire is my way of sharing Haudenosaunee artistry with the world, while empowering others to see the value in their own stories.”

Niiostoseraah Thompson, a proud member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, is the founder and creative director of Small Feather Empire, a luxury Indigenous brand that merges traditional Haudenosaunee raised beadwork with contemporary fashion, editorial design, and cultural storytelling. What began as a childhood connection to beadwork has grown into a full-time artistic career rooted in identity, empowerment, and community impact. Beadwork has been part of Niiostoseraah’s life for as long as she can remember, but everything shifted at sixteen, when her mother encouraged her to complete her first full project. That moment revealed that beadwork wasn’t simply a hobby; it was a relationship. Over the years, each piece became a way to honour tradition, celebrate personal milestones, and help others feel proud in their identities. The joy and emotional connection people felt wearing her work eventually led to the creation of Small Feather Empire.

Today, Small Feather Empire has evolved into a multidisciplinary luxury brand offering high-end raised beadwork, couture-inspired accessories, editorial jewelry collections, branded apparel, and cultural workshops. Niiostoseraah’s pieces have travelled across powwow grounds, photoshoots, and gifting ceremonies, each one carrying stories stitched with intention. Whether she is creating custom regalia, launching seasonal collections, or teaching youth, every project is approached as both art and responsibility — an act of reclamation, beauty, and continuity. Grounded in Haudenosaunee values, Small Feather Empire is more than a business; it is a movement. Through initiatives like “Indigenous Art Matters” Workshop Series and her “New Beaders” Mentorship Program, Niiostoseraah is creating pathways for emerging artists, representation, and generational wealth. Her long-term vision includes building a flagship storefront, studio, and creative hub where artists can learn, collaborate, and thrive. In 2024, she completed her first major institutional commission with McGill University — two large-scale raised beadwork installations that now sit within the school’s permanent Visual Arts Collection. Seeing Haudenosaunee artistry integrated into an academic institution during convocation was not just a career highlight; it was a moment of reclamation and cultural pride. 

Small Feather Empire is currently in an exciting stage of growth. Niiostoseraah is expanding her apparel line, elevating her digital presence, and preparing for curated limited-run drops that blend luxury aesthetics with cultural authenticity. She is also laying the foundation for future youth programs, professional beadwork classes, and her VIP Strawbaby Club, which builds community through exclusive content and mini-collection drops. Balancing all of this as a solo entrepreneur requires both discipline and heart — which is why the Wejibàbandan Indigenous Business Incubator felt like the perfect next step. For Niiostoseraah, the incubator provides structure, support, and space to scale her brand with intention. It allows her to develop strong systems, strengthen her luxury positioning, and move toward long-term financial independence. With the right support, she envisions stepping even more fully into her role as a fashion leader, creative director, and mentor. 

At the core of her work, Niiostoseraah dreams of building a brand and a legacy that outlives her. She wants Indigenous luxury to be seen on runways, in magazines, in homes, and in everyday life. And she wants everyone who wears Small Feather Empire pieces to feel the same things she felt when she first fell in love with beadwork: power, connection, visibility, and pride. Small Feather Empire is young, but its foundation is strong, built on culture, craftsmanship, and an unwavering belief in the future of Indigenous creativity. 

You can connect with Niiostoseraah Thompson and follow the evolution of Small Feather Empire through the platforms below. The official website — www.smallfeatherempire.com — is launching soon with collections, workshops, and exclusive drops. For commissions, collaborations, or media inquiries, reach out at smallfeatherempire@gmail.com. Stay updated on new releases, behind-the-scenes content, and editorial visuals on Instagram (@smallfeatherempire and @niiostoseraah) and explore creative process videos and collection previews on TikTok (@smallfeatherempire). For details on the Indigenous Art Matters series, New Beaders mentorship, and upcoming workshops, connect by email or follow along on social for announcements.