Art is everywhere and I’ve naturally been drawn to unique pieces of it. My first form I enjoyed was making dreamcatchers with my mother at a young age and gifting them. I love having no rules, but making it as you go. I continue to live my life like this.
My love for making moccasins started a few years ago. A time when I was a lost soul. Struggling to find my true self. I began working at a cobbler shop. For those who don’t know what that is, it’s a shoe/boot repair and leather shop. Like most trade workplaces, it’s a male dominated industry. I enjoyed seeing them bring boots back to life, making repairs, and leather goods. What really inspired me to finally make a pair was “love.” Love is what motivated me, as well as a beautiful Bison hide. That grainy texture is breathtaking. I wanted to gift my lover at the time a pair. I had never made anything from a pattern before and reading instructions is not my strong point; I’m more of a hands-on learner. Once I got the hang of it, I wanted to incorporate other materials like fabric, wool, brass, copper, and rivets. Not everyone liked my ideas, especially that lover.
Ultimately, we all crave the desire to be ourselves and to be accepted by others. Heartbreak caused me to go into full creative mode and drove me to where I am today. My goal is to make a strong & ruggedly handsome moccasin for all walks of life, but let the customer put their own flair into it. I’d love to broaden my shoemaking ability and continue to design new styles with the best quality materials. I’ve noticed that this line of work brings people together. They learn a little about me and I learn about them. Ultimately, that is my goal, to bring people together and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
I’d like to motivate the younger generations that your mind & your hands should be used not wasted. Remind them, life is hard, but we are in full control of how to live it. Either drown or swim laps. I chose to swim laps and do a little synchronized swimming. I am an artist, designer, stylist, innovator, dreamer, moccasin maker, and future cobbler. I am Shauna White Bear, owner of White Bear Moccasins.