Melissa Victor, Beader, Mother, Wife, Daughter and Granddaughter, is the proud owner of Kwósel Indigenous Jewelry and Art. Her traditional home is Xwchíyò:m(Cheam First Nation ) located in S’ólh Téméxw of the Fraser River Valley. Melissa currently resides in Mohkintsis(Blackfoot, and Treaty 7) territory, also known as Calgary Alberta, Canada.

The name Kwósel was birthed in deep connection to herlanguage of the Xwchíyò:m people ; Hawalq’emeylem. The translation for Kwósel is Star. Named from the inspiration of a BC Knowledge Keeper who was gifted a pair of beaded Delica morning star earrings in exchange.

Kwósel was launched in January 2023, as a desire to connect to her Xwchíyò:m roots. The passion was fueled with the intention to better understand these teachings for her children- blending stories through beadwork and cedar weaving. She originally started her journey with Beadwork in 2018 when she was taught by her cousin. That was the beginning of a journey of discovery and experimentation of different beading techniques. She then travelled to her home territories to learn how to harvest and weave cedar in a traditional and sustainable way.

She has since been showcased in exhibitions entitled “Mothers and Matriarchy” (2021) and “WasakamapiwakCollective” residency (2023/2024)- a wearable art collective. In February 2024 Kwósel was one of the featuredesigners at the “Made in Canada” runway show during New York Fashion Week with Runway7 Fashion.

Kwósel has now been invited by Paris Fashion Air to present on a new international stage. This opportunity provides expert guidance, with industry networks and an opportunity for Kwósel to reach new challenges and goals for the brand, the company, and the spirit of the art. This new showcase for Kwósel will be during Paris Fashion Week, September 28th and 29th, 2024.