Meet Brandi BThunder Sawyer

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brandi BThunder Sawyer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brandi (BThunder) below.

Hi Brandi BThunder, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Throughout my life, I have endured a multitude of harrowing experiences. These have led me down a path of resilience and redemption. Over the course of 25 years, I underwent a total of 37 surgeries, five of them taking place within a 10- month period. Many of these surgeries were necessitated by hereditary conditions, which caused spontaneous and excruciating health conditions. Furthermore, I suffered from gastrointestinal infections, colitis,pancreatitis, and reoccurring MRSA infections, which ultimately led to acute renal failure and kidney damage.

Despite facing death twice, and being bedridden for a year, during which time I relied on a walker for mobility. I remained determined to pursue my passions. Instead of focusing on the odds stacked against me, I focused on the possibilities of greatness in the future!

The conception of my Patent-pending Teepee Handbag Collection and Wanderlust Bracelet line occurred during my time of being bedridden! I like to refer to my bed as ” my office”. Lol! I can attribute my humor that helped me get through some of my darker days.

Within a year of launching BThunder Luxe aka ( BT Luxe), my Teepee Handbags garnered recognition on the Red Carpet at the Emmys, Grammys and the Critics Choice Awards. As well as, featured in ” Top Things for Her” Holiday Shopping Guide by Cowboys and Indians Magazine. My designs are truly one-of-a-kind, I take great pride in having worked tirelessly from my bed to bring them to life.

Moreover, I remain committed to my advocacy efforts, a portion of all proceeds from my business, and personal account are donated to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, while continuing to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & 2Spirits. My endeavors were acknowledged when I was invited to the State Capitol of Connecticut by the Lieutenant Governor and Senators. The recognition paved the way for the first-ever REDress Installation at the CT State Capitol. The event culminated in the creation of a Bill designated May 5th as RED DRESS DAY/ MMIP DAY for the State of Connecticut. As the Lead Creator Coordinator, I will oversee the REDress Installation at the CT State Capitol for the second consecutive year in May 2025. A milestone marks my 4th year of involvement for Awareness Week, the REDress Outdoor Installation along the Red Trail at The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum in Washington, CT, a collaboration with Ambassador of Education, Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.
In reflecting on my journey, I attribute my optimism and resiliency to the transformative power of adversity.
It is in our darkest moments that we can discover the strength to persevere and emerge anew,
much like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Rather than succumbing to my challenges, I drew inspiration from my ancestors, and the countless individuals who face similar struggles daily.
The victims of MMIW and the resilience of my people fueled my determination to keep moving forward. Through prayer and affirmations, support from family and friends, I repeatedly remind myself that I would overcome my adversity.
My story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and optimism in the face of overwhelming hardship.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I started BThunder Life
www.bthunderlife.com an online gift shop about four years ago. A place to where people could shop for affordable to high-end unique gifts. As well as giving other Artists a place to showcase their brilliant artwork. From Beadwork jewelry, handcrafted wooden flutes, my Resiliency Photography Series, and last but not least, my Father’s T.E.S Collection, of handcrafted wall art/sculptures primarily made from natural materials. Then BThunder Luxe aka ( BT Luxe) came to life! My luxury line featuring my Patent-pending Teepee Handbag Collections, leather strap-wrap bracelets, card cases, and only one-in-the-world handcrafted Outerwear Apparel with plans to add travel bags.
I am super stoked about the Revamp currently taking place for my online stores! It will be one-stop shopping bringing Curators from all over offering artisanal, handcrafted items with one click entering my store. Keep in mind right now we are making our changes to the sites, new products and stocking up on inventory as we speak, We have a HUGE sale going on right now at BT Luxe!! We have dropped the price of the 1st Teepee Handbag Collection!! Hundreds of dollars!!Quantities are limited! (bthunderluxe.com)

My target date to release the long-awaited 2nd Teepee Handbag Collection compiled of EIGHT different Teepee Handbags will be mid-July! I have raised the bar with this collection bringing in different materials, colors and techniques. Along with a new bracelet collection and one-of-a-kind handcrafted Apparel items.
We are looking forward to the
debut in NM, A Fashion Show Event along side another Designer, which supports our MMIW Mission and Native Scholarships.
I want to inspire others, no matter what adversity is before them, to
B their own Thunder.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would say believing in yourself, first and foremost. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t take a leap, and go for it!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

At the start of each day, as I put my feet on the floor, I thank Creator for giving me another day on this earth. Some days are harder than others. I still struggle with fatigue and memory issues. But all in all, that’s nothing compared to what I went through. I am grateful for this beautiful life I have! There are far more people that have it worse than I.
At the end of each day, I give thanks to Creator. For another day. For for my family, friends, the support and love I have that
surrounds me. A BIG SHOUT-OUT to Met’is, Jamie Black, in Canada, for starting the REDress Project.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bthunderluxe.com, www.bthunderlife.com
• Instagram: @bgirl1313 @bt.luxe
• Facebook: @BT.Luxe , @bthunderlife , Brandi Lee Sawyer Emmans
• Other: Osiyo Amit & Olivia!
  I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. Many thanks to Rita Bear for the recommendation.
  Have a blessed day!
  Wado,
  B.

Image Credits

Brandi L. Sawyer
Daniel M. Emmans