About Me

  • 3+ years of experience

    Hand-beading since 2021 with a focus on cultural reconnection, craftsmanship, and intentional design. Every piece reflects growth, healing, and heart.

  • Indigenous-Owned & Rooted in Story

    Created by an Otomí artist and mother to a Diné daughter. Each piece is made with love, legacy, and resistance stitched into every bead.

  • Full-Time, Handmade, One-of-a-Kind

    This is not fast fashion. It's full-time, soulful work. Each piece is slow-made with care and never mass produced. Just you, me, and the medicine of beadwork.

Monique Estrella

Hi, I’m Monique. I’m Otomí, a mom, and a New Mexico native. I’ve spent the past few years on a journey of reconnection, learning, unlearning, and finding my way back to culture, creativity, and self. Becoming a mother shifted everything for me. It pushed me to grow, to ground myself, and to build something that feels true to who I am and where I come from. I'm quiet by nature, deeply intentional, and always learning. Estrella’s Universe is a reflection of that: me claiming space, honoring my roots, and carving out a life led by love and purpose.

#LandBack

Beading is more than art. It’s a political act, a form of sovereignty, and a way to stay connected to culture in a world that constantly tries to erase it. Each piece is made with that awareness: carefully, intentionally, and with purpose. As a mother to Zia Jae, this work is also about legacy. It’s about making sure she grows up surrounded by culture, pride, and resistance.

FAQs About the Brand

Who is behind Estrella’s Universe?

Hi! I’m Monique, the artist behind Estrella’s Universe. An Otomí creative, beader, and mama. I started this shop as a way to reconnect with my culture, express myself through beadwork, and build something beautiful for my daughter, who is Diné. This space is about healing, resistance, and joy. All threaded bead by bead.

What inspired me to start Estrella’s Universe?

Estrella’s Universe was born during a time when I was a single mom, searching for both stability and purpose. Beading became a way to support myself while reconnecting with my Otomí roots and creating with my Diné daughter in mind. What began as a small act of survival and self-expression has grown into a space for storytelling, cultural pride, and intentional adornment.

What does your brand name mean?

“Estrella” is my middle name, and it means “star” in Spanish. Estrella’s Universe is a reflection of my identity, my roots, and the love I pour into every piece. It’s a space where culture, storytelling, and celestial energy come together. Honoring both where I come from and where I’m going.

Do you bead full time?

Yes! I’m now beading full time. Creating every day with love, intention, and purpose.

How long have I been beading?

I’ve been beading for over 3 years. What started as a personal practice has grown into a full-time journey of reconnection, creativity, and cultural expression. Every year has brought new growth, deeper meaning, and more love for the art.

"How can I learn how to bead?"

I’m still learning too! and I share what I know along the way! You can find free beading tutorials, tips, and process videos on my TikTok @estrellas.universe. Whether you’re just starting or reconnecting with your own beading practice, you’re more than welcome to learn with me.