Meet Desiree

Desiree Belone is a multifaceted artist, designer, and cultural advocate who honors and preserves the rich legacies of her diverse heritage, rooted in the Ponca tribe, the Diné (Navajo) Nation, and her maternal Japanese lineage. Born and raised in the vibrant community of Boyle Heights, California, she draws inspiration from her deep connection to her ancestry and the urban landscape that has shaped her identity. Through her art, she blends the traditions of her Indigenous roots with contemporary expression, creating work that carries both cultural meaning and modern beauty.

Beyond her adornment offerings, Desiree is deeply invested in the preservation of cultural traditions. She remains an active participant in tribal gatherings, traveling to White Eagle, Oklahoma, and the Navajo Nation, maintaining strong connections with her family and community. Her bond with her maternal grandfather, a Nisei born in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, informs her work and the stories she shares, connecting past struggles with present-day resilience.

Her artistic vision extends into holistic wellness and environmental care. As a member of the Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association, she educates her community on the importance of honey bees and caring for the Earth. She also practices yoga, uses holistic remedies, and believes in food as medicine.

Desiree is a sound bath practitioner, offering experiences using singing crystal bowls and Koshi chimes. A sound bath is a gentle sound meditation where participants lie down and rest while sound and vibration fill the space. These tones help calm the body, ease stress, and support balance, creating time to relax, reflect, and reset.



Awards

August 2025 Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa, CA 

3rd Place Jewelry Beading 

"Eʼeʼaahjí Tónteel"  (West Coast Ocean in Navajo)

2nd Place Jewelry Beading

"Gourd Dance" (Blessing the Water. Honoring our Warriors/Veterans, past, present & future)

 

August 2024 148th Ponca Nation Powwow, White Eagle, OK

2nd Place Ponca Nation Powwow Arts & Crafts Fair

“LA Love Letter” Necklace & Earrings Set

 

May 2024 Los Angeles County Fair, Pomona, CA

1st Place Jewelry, Other

“Modern Love” Breastplate

2nd Place Beadwork Jewelry

 ”Californication War Dance” Necklace

 

August 2023 147th Annual Ponca Nation Powwow, White Eagle, OK

1st Place Ponca Nation Powwow Arts & Crafts Fair

"Josephine” Hand crafted Concho Belt