Starfire Originals is a new studio and retail space located on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina. Founded by Terri Henry, the shop opened in early 2026 after renovations transformed the space into a working design studio and storefront.
The idea for Starfire Originals took shape after Terri attended the Kananesgi Fashion Show in 2023. She returned the following year as a designer, creating seven looks for the runway. That experience sparked something. As she continued designing, opening a store felt like a natural next step. Starfire Originals now serves as both a creative workspace and a place to share that work with the community.
Terri brings decades of experience to this new venture. She grew up working in her family’s gift shop, the War Eagle, in downtown Cherokee, starting at age 14. Over the years, she moved from store clerk to a managerial role while also pursuing her degree at the University of North Carolina Asheville.
Her background also includes leading Clan Star, Inc., a national training and technical assistance organization supporting Indigenous women’s coalitions, as well as co-owning a motorcycle repair, retail shop and tattoo studio. That mix of business, creativity and community work shapes the vision behind Starfire Originals today.
The name Starfire Originals reflects a source of creativity and a focus on one-of-a-kind work. It points to pieces that feel personal, thoughtfully made and rooted in artistic expression. Starfire Originals offers a mix of in-house designs and work from Indigenous artists. The space brings together fashion, art and everyday goods in a way that feels curated but approachable.
Customers will find:
- Custom design services for individuals and businesses
- Private label clothing designed and produced in-house
- Handmade artisan goods, including jewelry, home decor and artwork
- Up-cycled and new clothing
- Fashion accessories, natural cosmetics and essential oils
Each item reflects a balance of creativity, craftsmanship and cultural connection.
Starfire Originals is designed to feel creative, welcoming and rooted in place. Terri’s goal is for visitors to experience the lived culture of the Cherokee people and their homeland. The shop also creates space for local artists and designers, offering a platform to share their work while giving customers a deeper connection to the community behind it.
Located on Tsali Boulevard, one of Cherokee’s main corridors, the shop sits near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area draws visitors from across the eastern United States, making it an important place to share Indigenous creativity and culture. Terri was intentional about the products she carries, seeking out Native-owned businesses that align with her vision.
“SweetGrass was one of the first companies that I found in my search for products that are made by and support Indigenous people,” she said. “I also appreciated that the company is owned by the Ho-Chunk Nation.”
By working with SweetGrass Trading Company, Starfire Originals continues to build a retail space that supports Indigenous makers and strengthens Native-owned businesses.