Meet Dante Biss-grayson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dante Biss-grayson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dante, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I haven’t overcome my struggles with mental health—particularly PTSD from my time in war—but I’ve learned to manage them and live alongside them. PTSD isn’t something that simply disappears; it has become a part of my journey, shaping who I am today. My experiences in the war left deep scars, but they’ve also fueled my creativity, giving me a perspective that drives my art and fashion.

Art and fashion have become my lifeline, offering a way to process the pain, transform it, and share something meaningful with the world. For me, they’re not about reaching a final destination but about embracing the journey—the emotional release and storytelling behind every piece I create. Often, it’s during the most challenging times that I create my most vulnerable and powerful work.

Fashion, especially, demands everything from you—creatively, emotionally, and mentally. But through this process, I’ve been able to weave my own narrative of resilience. My designs carry my story; they’re born from struggle, yet they embody strength, survival, and hope. It’s a reminder that life isn’t about erasing hardship but about finding ways to let it shape and refine you. Managing mental health, for me, means finding purpose in creativity. It’s about remembering that every step forward, no matter how small, is part of a larger journey.

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 am an Osage artist and fashion designer, and my work is rooted in family, culture, and resilience. My fashion house, Sky-Eagle Collection, was built alongside my family, who inspire everything I create. Together, we’ve built a brand that not only celebrates Native heritage but also serves as a platform for storytelling and empowerment.

The upcoming year is filled with exciting projects that share this vision with the world. In February, I will debut the Red Line Collection at New York Fashion Week, a powerful and deeply personal collection tied to my heritage and experiences. Miss Universe Canada, Ashley Callingbull, will be modeling for us during this show, helping to bring greater visibility to Indigenous representation on a global stage. In March, I will headline as a fashion designer at AISES in Las Vegas, where I’ll present designs that merge tradition with contemporary creativity.

Following that, I’ll take part in the Reservation Economic Summit, a space that fosters economic growth and innovation within Native communities. In April, I’ll participate in a fashion show at the Världskulturmuseet in Sweden, showcasing the global relevance of Indigenous storytelling through fashion. In August,

We will be producing a two-day fashion show in Santa Fe called UPLiFt. This production focuses on honoring veterans and uplifting Indigenous voices, providing space for over six Native designers to showcase their work. It’s an opportunity to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and resilience while fostering a supportive platform for emerging designers. Sky-Eagle Collection is built on family and culture, and my work is about more than fashion—it’s about creating spaces for Native voices, celebrating our stories, and inspiring future generations. Through these upcoming projects,

Along with new capsule collections and accessories, 2025 will be filled with many projects! I hope to continue honoring my heritage, supporting my community, and redefining the possibilities for Indigenous fashion on a global scale.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that had the greatest impact on my journey are drive, motivation, and strategic planning. These traits shaped not only how I approached challenges but also how I stayed focused and pushed forward when the path was uncertain.

Drive is what keeps you moving, even in the face of obstacles. It’s about having a strong sense of purpose and refusing to give up, no matter how hard things get.

Motivation, on the other hand, is about staying connected to that purpose—reminding yourself why you started and why it matters.

Strategic planning has also been essential for me; it’s not enough to dream big—you need a roadmap to turn your vision into reality. For those starting out, my advice is to cultivate these qualities intentionally.

Stay driven by setting clear goals and finding inspiration in what you love. Develop motivation by surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and by celebrating your progress along the way, no matter how small. As for strategic planning, take the time to step back and think through the steps needed to reach your goals—break them down into manageable actions and keep refining your plan as you grow.

Above all, love what you do. When you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t feel like a job—it becomes a part of who you are. Be kind to others and to yourself; relationships and self-compassion are the foundation for long-term success. And don’t forget to have fun—find joy in the journey and never take yourself too seriously. By focusing on these qualities and embracing the process, you’ll set yourself up not only for success but for a fulfilling and meaningful career.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that played a significant role in my development is Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. The journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and finding inner peace resonated deeply with me, especially in times of uncertainty. A few of the most valuable lessons I took from the book are the importance of embracing the journey rather than rushing toward a destination, the value of living in the present moment, and the understanding that true wisdom often comes from personal experience rather than external teachings.

Another author who has been influential in my growth is Charles Bukowski. His raw, unapologetic writing and reflections on the struggles of life, creativity, and the human condition have always reminded me to be true to myself and to embrace the imperfections in my own path. Bukowski’s work teaches the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and finding your own voice, regardless of societal expectations. Both of these works have offered powerful insights into embracing life’s complexities, understanding the importance of self-reflection, and staying grounded in what truly matters. They continue to inspire me both in my art and my personal journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.skyeaglecollection.com/
• Instagram: @skyeaglecollection
• Facebook: @skyeaglefashionhouse

Image Credits

Models: Jonnea Trujillo, Kona Mirabal, Addie Roanhorse, and Dante Biss-Grayson

With: Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese