Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Ridley
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It was the year 2017 I worked at my last job at Prairie Edge Trading Post in Rapid City, SD.
How I got here I relocated here from Whiterocks, UT (Uintah Basin), for the first year I worked there I didn’t have the money or supplies to make huge projects that can sale to major buyers. So I started out small and bought what I can from what I I paid.
As I kept doing small beaded projects I got noticed by the big boss Dan T. (ex general manager), he talked with me about doing bigger projects and as he was talking to me I kinda stopped him and said “sorry I don’t have the cash to make huge projects!” He told me that “I want you to be one of my main artist for our trading post.
I was shocked that I have an opportunity like this for future projects.
Meaning that I have an opportunity to create projects with ease and that would cost me not a dime.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The only part of this was just time and the energy I needed to sit for hours.
The night would be so long I would find myself sitting up till 3am in the morning knowing that I have to work at 8am.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I did that set my little journey was my beadwork.
It was so unique to this area (northern plains), my designs were Ute from Utah and a lot of people took time too look and buy my art.
I was also mentioned in the company American Dakota Rugs. How I got this on there website was I beaded a replica 7th Calvary sword (fully beaded).
Then going from doing feather work such as war bonnets to shields
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am now a teacher to the indigenous youth of Rapid City.
I am a full time dad to one little amazing girl Isabella.
Pricing:
- $500
- $1,000
- $700
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Thomas Von Monroe
- Facebook: Thomas Von Monroe
