Our Origin Story

Life comes from the water that trickles down into the earth, leaving behind minerals in the empty spaces of the stone. Beauty comes from the color that is left behind. Strength is the result of resistance from where the stone was formed.

As women, we endure so much in our lifetime, but it is how we rise from our experiences that makes us who we are.

– Alicia Velasquez, Owner & Designer

The Artist:

Me and my Dad in California 

Meet Alicia Velasquez

I am an award-winning, multidisciplinary Native American artist based in Iowa City. My work is deeply rooted in honoring Indigenous heritage and fostering cultural dialogue. Taught by my father and elders, I continue to refine and expand my mastery of traditional techniques such as beadwork, leatherwork, silversmithing, sewing, and embroidery.

My father, who was Apache, was a tremendous influence on my life and art. He was not only a skilled artisan but also a storyteller, weaving the history of our people into every creation. I have vivid memories of sitting beside him as he worked on intricate beadwork, often using turquoise to symbolize strength and beauty. His guidance and passion for preserving our traditions remain the foundation of my artistry today.

Born and raised in California, I am Apache, Yaqui, and Chicana. My artistry draws inspiration from my ancestors and my personal journey. I believe in the power of storytelling through art, and every piece I create carries a narrative of strength, beauty, and resilience.

My Work and Vision

I create with a passion for connecting women to culture in a respectful and meaningful way. Each piece I design is a celebration of Indigenous traditions and a reminder of the strength, beauty, and worth every woman possesses.

The House of DOTLIZHI

In 2019, I started my journey with an online store in Oklahoma, which quickly grew into something much more. Encouraged by the rising demand for my handmade jewelry and the heartfelt stories from customers, I opened The House of DOTLIZHI, a brick-and-mortar store in Iowa City, in 2021.

The store has since evolved into a community space where Native students, elders, urban Natives, and non-Natives alike can connect, learn, and share knowledge. It’s not just a retail space—it’s a hub for preserving and celebrating Indigenous traditions.

 

Community and Emerging Artists

  • Empowering Emerging Artists:
The House of DOTLIZHI provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase and sell their work. Through consignment opportunities, artist talks, and workshops, I aim to amplify their voices, share their stories, and help them connect with wider audiences.

Cultural Exchange and Education:

I create spaces for learning, collaboration, and celebration of Indigenous art forms while highlighting the connections we share with other cultures. For example, beadwork is not solely a Native American tradition; it is a practice shared by cultures worldwide. By exploring these connections, we honor the universal language of artistry and the ties that bind us as humans.

    Inspiring Future Generations:
    From youth workshops to supporting budding talents, I am committed to nurturing the next generation of artists and preserving the legacy of Indigenous artistry.

     

    Honoring Tradition, Celebrating Innovation

    The House of DOTLIZHI continues to be a place where art, tradition, and community converge—a space where everyone is invited to celebrate the beauty of Indigenous heritage.