Meet Michael Folkert of Native American World in Venice Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Folkert.

Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Rebeca Salvador and myself partnered on the Boardwalk in Venice where she was displaying her Inca Arts & Crafts from Peru, South America. We opened a shop on the Venice Boardwalk and mixed her Inca culture Native Crafts with Native American culture, I am of Cherokee heritage. The arts and crafts we offer are from many Native cultures such as Navajo, Cherokee, Hopi, Zuni, Apache, Lakota and Dakota Sioux, Inca and other Native cultures. We have related items as well that are not necessarily Native made but complement the other items we sell, such as the world music we offer through our partner company, Condor Records, featuring music of artist from around the world, flamenco, Native American flutes, Pan flute music from South America, percussion groups, etc.

Some of the range of arts we offer include replicas of tomahawks, rattles, bow and arrow, head dress, silver & turquoise jewelry, pottery, fetish stones, hand bags, clothing, t-shirts, music, healing herbs, spiritual items and more. Related items include incense, oils, clothing, figurines, books, music, mugs, magnets, etc.

We have been in business for over 30 years now with the purpose of offering arts, music, and culture of Native cultures from the Americas. Our intent is to improve the lives of as many people from around the globe as possible as we educate those of the knowledge of Native culture and healing practices…

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a Red Road, full of learning and healing and life experience. The struggles have appeared, but we always fight the good fight and stand up for what is best for the greater good. Most of the difficulties have involved illegal vending in the streets of Venice, a world economy that favors the rich and corporate world, and an overpopulation of homeless bringing poverty and some crime.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in Native Arts & Culture from the Americas, from northern Canada down to Chile and Bolivia and the tip of South America. What we are most proud of is our many years of returning customers from around the world and their complements of our store, the presentation, and the items we have to offer. We love to improve the lives of those we serve. What sets us apart is our dedication to our cause and the path we walk.

We help not only those who patronize our shop, but also defenders of wild life, addicts and alcoholics in recovery, Musicares of the Grammy foundation who we a part of, Native organizations, local Powwows and Native events and so on.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities in the world. Culture is diverse, tourism is prime, business and education are thriving. An improvement would be more affordable housing for the young and others in need.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1207 Ocean Front Walk,
  Venice, CA 90291
• Website: www.nativeamericanworld.net
• Phone: (310) 452-0684
• Email: sales@nativeamericanworld.net
• Instagram: nativeamericanworld
• Facebook: Native American World
• Twitter: Condor Records@condorrecords1

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.