Photo: N8iVBeauty Founder Ruth-Ann Thorn
Native Star held its ribbon cutting ceremony May 30th and continued its grand opening weekend through May 31st. The Native-owned boutique is located in the historic Yuma Building, at 631 Fifth Avenue, in the heart of the Gaslamp District. Ruth Ann Thorn, from the Rincon Tribe of Luiseno Indians, purchased the building last year. The gallerist, curator, and documentary filmmaker has created an inviting space featuring Native-made goods.
The ceremony began with a Kumeyaay land acknowledgement by Sycuan Tribal Chairman Cody Martinez, mayoral comments, bird singers Jaime LaBrake and Blue Eagle Vigil, and Sam Bearpaw’s drum circle. It was a moment to cherish for all who turned out to celebrate the Native presence in Downtown San Diego. Thorn’s words resonated with the crowd when she reminded everyone of the city’s dark history. She stated, “In the 1850s, signs were posted: Indians wanted dead or alive. $25 a head.” This grim reality was soon overshadowed by the joy of those gathered to celebrate the opening of the boutique.
Thorn’s goal is to remind the public that “Native/Indigenous People are still here, resilient, diversely talented, and are not a relic of the past.” The ceremony continued with Thorn introducing her daughter and partner. After the red ribbon was cut, the crowd filtered in to discover the variety of items Thorn had gathered.
The interior of the boutique is rich in art and displays. Designer men’s and women’s wear were tastefully displayed. A coffee bar, offering Ramona Farms brew, was available while guests enjoyed their shopping experiences. Shelves of products included Navajo Mike’s Frybread Mix, Quinault Pride Smoked Salmon, Passamaquoddy Maple Syrup, and Hunter and Mazzetti wines.
N8iV Beauty products, lovingly created by Ruth Ann Thorn, were another of the store’s highlights. The Native skin care line contains acorn oil and other curated contents. The line is available in the store and online. Thorn credits Isabella, her daughter, as the inspiration for the beauty line when Native representation in cosmetics was not available. The Daybreak Moisturizing Cream and Starlight Regenerative Cream are quite popular.
Native jewelry and accessories are also available in Native Star. The cases include earrings, rings, and bracelets. Other gift options include scarves, blankets, beaded hats, and more.
Guests of the opening filtered into the EC Gallery next door, where some Native artists are also featured. Frybread and beverages were offered in the garden lounge of the gallery. Guests socialized, caught up, and enjoyed the occasion. The Native Star Opening was another great accomplishment of Ruth Ann Thorn, who vows to continue finding Native artists to share with the community. In her words, “I aim to not only celebrate our culture, but also to spark a movement of reclaiming our lands and our stories.”
