Andi is our ‘Cheesehead’ from Wisconsin. Andi is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Her traditional Ho-Chunk name is Nizuwii, which means “Rain” and she is a member of the Thunder Clan. She recently moved to Helena because in her words she, “wants to live the dream.”  She loves being in the mountains! Her favorite place to getaway and read is Canyon Ferry.

Andi went to school at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for both her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and her Master’s in Education. Among her many accomplishments, Andi was the first storyteller-in-residence with the Madison Public Library in Wisconsin. She also served on the Council on Library and Network Development, a governor appointment, with the State of Wisconsin. Her entrepreneurial spirit and knack for providing quality customer service is evident through her small business Made by Rain. Made by Rain hosts vendor booths at pow-wows, farmers markets, and craft fairs, where Andi sells beaded medallions, earrings, brooches, and bolo ties. She also sews ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, and Ho-Chunk applique dresses.

Andi is a Green Bay Packer, Milwaukee Brewer, and Wisconsin Badger fan. She loves fly-fishing, thrifting, libraries, photography, crafting, bookstores, junk journaling, painting woodland florals, and teaching others her indigenous crafts. Her favorite eateries so far here in Helena are the Firetower Coffee House, Shellie’s Country Café, and Vanilla Bean Bakery and Café.