Macon Magazine

64 maconmagazine.com | October/November 2025 JAMIE BENNETT What led you to design/create? I was a hairdresser for over twenty years … I started creating because I wanted to carry on the traditions of my Muscogee people in a modern way. Growing up, I saw how important our cultural clothing was — not just for ceremony but for everyday pride in who we are. Sewing became a way for me to connect to my ancestors, but also to tell new stories. Who or what influences your designs and work? I'm influenced first and foremost by my Muscogee culture. Our stories, our dances, our colors — they're woven into everything I make. I'm also influenced by the women in my life: mothers, grandmothers, aunties, cousins who wore and made ribbon skirts and beadwork. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from nature. Any design influences? I admire Native designers who have paved the way, like Patricia Michaels and others who've shown that Indigenous fashion belongs on the biggest stages. But my designs are also heavily shaped by our traditional forms — ribbon work, beadwork, hand-sewn details — because those are timeless influences that never go out of style. What are the challenges you face? One challenge is that I do so much of this work by myself. From sewing, to beading, to preparing inventory, to traveling — it's a lot for one person. Another challenge is walking the line between honoring tradition and creating something contemporary. Is there an element that defines your work? Yes, storytelling. Every piece I create tells a story, whether it's about family, ceremony, land, or identity. For me, a ribbon skirt or vest isn't just clothing. It's art that carries meaning. ABOVE, Jamie Rolland-Hill and Jamie Bennett with their designs, alongside Muscogee (Creek) Nation Second Chief Del Beaver When I was in Santa Fe … I made couture outfits … I do a lot of red carpet [looks]. That's what I like to make. But to pay the bills, I make things like the skirts. Why is a collective effort around this theme important? Because fashion is not just about clothes — it's about community... The focus on sustainability and education is especially meaningful, because that's how we make sure the next generation carries these skills forward. By celebrating style in this way, we're also celebrating survival, resilience, and creativity — and that's something we can only do together. Contact: Jamie Lynn Creek-Bennett JAMIE ROLLAND-HILL Tell me about yourself. I'm from Polecat Ceremonial Grounds. I was raised Yuchi, but I am enrolled in Muscogee (Creek) Nation. I'm Muscogee (Creek), I'm Yuchi, I'm Cherokee, and I'm Seminole. My main profession is I work with Center for Victim Services, so I work for Creek Nation and my tribe. We deal with a lot of domestic violence cases, and we deal with a lot of sexual assault, but the upside to my job is I get to work with the youth. I host cultural events, but we talk about healthy relationships and what green flags are and what red flags are and what consent is, just what a healthy relationship, even with your family, is. My job is really just to come in and educate the kids, and I get to go out into the community. So, tell me about your craft. Really sewing is just like a side hobby for me. I actually

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