About AWD

 

Antelope Woman Designs (AWD) is a jewelry brand founded in 2012 by Lenise Omeasoo, a proud Blackfeet and Ermineskin Cree artist and mother. What began as a labor of love—creating beadwork for her daughters—has grown into a celebrated name in contemporary Indigenous fashion.

Lenise’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world and the animals that live within it. In Blackfeet and many Indigenous cultures, animals carry identity, spirit, and deep cultural significance—serving as protectors, guides, and storytellers. From antelope and eagle to bear and butterfly, these beings often appear in her designs, woven with intention and meaning. Lenise also draws endless inspiration from the land—its colors, textures, and patterns. She loves experimenting with material, playing with light, and discovering new ways to fuse traditional and contemporary beadwork. Each piece becomes an act of honoring her people and the landscapes that shape her identity.

Her signature beadwork, rooted in Indigenous tradition and vibrant storytelling, has been worn by global icons — from model and activist Quannah Chasinghorse at the Met Gala, to Golden Globe-winning actress Lily Gladstone, who wore Lenise’s Blackfeet-inspired earrings during her historic 2024 win. Lenise’s work has been featured in Vogue multiple times and was celebrated during New York Jewelry Week, marking her influence in both cultural and contemporary fashion spaces. Her collaboration with UGG further amplified Indigenous representation in the fashion industry.

As a digital art content creator, Lenise has also partnered with TikTok on multiple cultural and small business live streams through her creative account @LennyBeadHandzz, sharing her process, teachings, and story with a global audience.

In 2025, she launched Bead School, a monthly online subscription for aspiring beaders and experienced artists. For just $9.99/month on TikTok and Instagram, subscribers gain access to detailed tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage of larger projects, exclusive live sessions, and mini vlogs on sourcing, sketching, and creative process.

100% of proceeds from Bead School and sweatrockrunning subscriptions support Sokapi — the budding nonprofit branch of AWD. Sokapi, meaning “good” in Blackfeet, will provide support for food banks, homeless shelters, community wellness/cultural programs, and local cultural school funding. Helping strengthen the circle of care and opportunity for Indigenous families and youth.

Beyond beadwork, Lenise is forging a new path as a marathon runner and fitness advocate through her brand Sweat Rock Running. Sharing her personal transformation on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. she inspires others to move with purpose, reconnect to self, and carry cultural strength into every step. Her journey has even caught the attention of Nike, who gifted her a pair of shoes to review as part of the Nike Vomero 18 campaign.