Cynthia & Samantha Dick

Cynthia & Samantha Dick By Your Favorite Aunties Website: https://byyourfavoriteaunties.com/

By Your Favorite Aunties is a Tsilhqot’in-owned business run by sisters Samantha and Cynthia from Tl’etinqox. They handcraft beadwork, ribbon skirts, and custom digital art apparel inspired by their Tsilhqot’in culture and ranching heritage. Rooted in the teachings of their grandparents, their creations blend traditional artistry with modern designs. Operating part-time after work and on weekends, they showcase their work at events and markets, sharing their cultural pride with the community. Their journey into the world of traditional craftsmanship began with cherished memories that are forever etched in their minds—watching their beloved grandparents skillfully sewing traditional apparel, expertly beading exquisite looms, and meticulously tanning hides with a level of precision and care that only comes from years of practice and dedication. These formative experiences instilled in them a profound appreciation for their cultural heritage. In 2020, as they embarked on a quest to rediscover the art of beading, they found not only a creative outlet but also a source of solace and serenity in this timeless practice. What initially started as a simple pastime quickly blossomed into a passionate endeavor, igniting their creativity and opening up new avenues of artistic expression that ranged from sewing to digital art.

In their innovative approach, they artfully blend tradition with technology, showcasing their unique perspective by designing captivating digital artwork. This fusion of old and new allows them to create vibrant prints that are then transformed into stylish apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, each piece telling a story and reflecting their deep connection to their roots. The clothing they produce is not merely fashion; it is a canvas for their heritage, a way to share the beauty of their culture with the world while ensuring that the traditional skills they cherish are not lost to time. Through each creation, Samantha and Cynthia invite others to celebrate and appreciate the rich tapestry of their Tsilhqot'in heritage, making By Your Favorite Aunties a meaningful bridge between the past and the present. Of the BEST program, Cynthia & Samanth say “The B.E.S.T. program has given us the tools we need to grow our business. While taking the class, I realized that I may have learned some of this information slowly over time, but setting aside these weeks to focus on marketing, finance, branding, and operations has given us more drive to push our business further. A few weeks may seem like a long time to set aside, especially if you also have a full-time job—we thought the same thing. But in order to grow our business, we had to sacrifice somewhere to take the time to learn more tools. This program has helped us bridge the gap, and Zechariah was a patient and informative instructor. We are excited to see how the other participants grow their business, and thanks again to TNG and Zechariah for setting time aside to visit us on this side of Turtle Island.”