Local Artist Spotlight – Felicia Mitchell

Felicia Mitchell was born and raised here in the community of Listuguj. She became a single mother at the age of 19 but that didn’t stop her from going on to obtain a highly impressive education. She graduated from community college in Miramichi, NB, obtaining a certificate in Human Services. After this, she obtained a diploma in Business Administration, and as of this Spring she graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She is currently the Business Development Advisor for the Natural Resources Directorate (Fisheries). While attending school and being a mother, she developed a passion for beading.

When Mitchell was in Miramichi for Community College, she had three teachers who impacted her immensely, and to show her gratitude, she asked her cousin to teach her how to make a beaded dream catcher as a gift to her teachers.  When Mitchell presented them with their beaded dream catchers, something just clicked. Mitchell said, “I witnessed their reactions with joy and happiness and showed their gratitude with big hugs. This was the feeling that I wanted to chase, knowing how something I made with my own hands could influence people, and just like that, BeadworkbyFelicia was accidentally born.”

Since Mitchell attended school in Campbellton, and not in Listuguj where culture classes were readily available, it wasn’t until she was in her early 20’s that she learned how to bead. She attended craft nights in the community with Lita Isaac and started with beaded dreamcatchers. After some time, she became skilled with quills, leather and various types of beads. Mitchell eventually developed her signature style of earring, called “BeadworkbyFelicia flowers” which consists of shiny glass gems and beads. This style is very intricate and simply one-of-a-kind. The stand-out flowers come in three different sizes and can also be put on badge reels.

Mitchell has several achievements when it comes to her craft. Her beadwork has been sent to all 10 provinces and three territories in Canada, as well as 46 out of the 50 states in America. Mitchell said, “My long-term goal is to reach all 50 states, so if you know anyone in Missouri, Alabama, West Virginia, or Delaware, send them my way!” Her dedicated Instagram page has over 6,000 followers, and her Facebook page has 6,000 likes and 7,000 followers. Mitchell has also collaborated with Indigenous company, Manitobah Mukluks, resulting in six custom pairs of mukluks with her signature beaded gem flowers.

Mitchell continues to bead and finds her inspiration in the beauty of the world. She will have her work available at the upcoming Autumn Festival and Craft Fair in the community on October 5^th from 10AM to 5PM at the Listuguj Community Development Center (Bingo Hall.) You can follow BeadworkbyFelicia on Facebook to see available inventory or if she is accepting commissioned orders.

By Ann Marie Jacques