Growing up in Koya Melako Conservancy, Nawamiss never went to school. Like many girls in her community, she spent her days herding animals and waiting to be married.
Married off while still very young, her life changed when her late mother-in-law, a BeadWORKS artisan, introduced her to beading. That moment opened a new world for Nawamiss — one filled with purpose and hope.
Through BeadWORKS, she learned new skills, began earning an income, and even started making beautiful beaded belts for morans — earning extra income beyond her BeadWORKS work.
At just 20, she became a Star Beader, leading her group with confidence and passion. The role has helped her grow her leadership skills and inspired other young women in her community.
“If I don’t bead, I feel like I have nothing to do,” she says with a smile.
Today, Nawamis is an active and passionate young woman whose journey reflects the power of opportunity — inspiring women in her community and her own girl child to dream bigger and live a better life.
This Girl Child Day, we celebrate girls like Nawamiss — girls we’ve watched grow from quiet beginnings into strong, confident women shaping their own futures through BeadWORKS.