Amy Yeung
Orenda Tribe
Albuquerque, NM USA
"Stay true to your heart and everything else falls into place."
Career Roadmap
Amy's work combines: Fashion, Design, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When deciding whether or not you should go into a certain field, start a business, or take a career leap, lean into the things that make you uncomfortable. That's how you grow and learn. Human growth is the most important experience you're going to have to find your path in life and get to where you're going.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Pharmacy
Purdue University
Bachelor's Degree
Fashion/Apparel Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born to a Navajo woman, but was adopted at birth and raised by my adoptive parents in rural Indiana—they were very loving and supportive throughout my whole life.
2.
After college, I spent over 25 years designing fast fashion clothing for well-known companies.
3.
While teaching my child about sustainability, I decided to leave my job as a corporate fast fashion designer and start a sustainable consulting company.
4.
As a consulting business owner, I was able to work from home so that I could better balance being a mom and running a business.
5.
When technology evolved enough to make connecting with people easier, I was able to locate my birth mother and connect with all of my family members on the reservation.
6.
While consulting, I started Orenda Tribe, an upcycled sustainable vintage collection that is fueled by a desire to honor Indigeneity.
7.
I have since stopped consulting, relocated Orenda Tribe to New Mexico, and started doing philanthropic work with Native youth and communities.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Wealth is the indicator for success.
How I responded:
At one point in my life, I was very career driven, focused on making money and climbing the ladder. After becoming a mom, my mentality shifted. I realized that wealth isn't what makes me happy and shouldn't be what I strive for. I think the most important thing we have is time, whether it's time on Earth, time to give to others, or times for ourselves. I left my corporate fast fashion job, started a company to make a difference in the world, and was able to be present while my daughter grew up.