Julie O’Keefe (Osage) grew up in the heart of  Osage Nation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Her passion  for design has taken her all over the world. Julie  spent several years in Northern Virginia, raising her  son but always kept her community in her heart.  As her Native American design collections garnered  a following, she launched a pioneering Native American Women owned company that specialized in continuing the traditions of Native American regalia  for community events and dances. 

Her authentic design style has earned her respect  within the Nations due to her understanding of cultural norms and requirements across a diverse landscape of Native American communities. Julie has  focused her personal and professional life in the service of giving back to her Native American community advocacy. 

Julie’s most recent work  includes serving as the  Osage Wardrobe Consultant on the movie set of Killers of the Flower Moon, a major motion picture.  She assisted with research, produced costume  pieces, assisted in costume choices, and worked with  and dressed as principal actors.  In addition to working on the movie set, Julie is also acting as a consultant for First Americans Museum – having procured Native artwork for the retail store  and produced four product lines with deliverables of 19,000 items. She worked with 200 Native artists, across 39 nations. 

She has over twenty years in retail sales and product  manufacturing for furniture, gift, mail-order and casino projects. She has specialized in working beside Native American companies to help provide support and inspiration on projects that directly impact the economic well being of her native community. 

Julie is a self-starter who is passionate and tireless about her work in the community. She has worked with clients and project managers across the country including: Neiman Marcus, Horchow, Ballard Design, Marriott Corporation, Kinspan Corporation, Foxwoods, Aqua Callienta, Cherokee Enterprises, Mohegan Sun, Yosemite National Park and the Gray Canyon.  She attended Oklahoma State University and has continued her passion as a program manager and community developer for over 20 years. 

Julie continues to serve on several boards and program committees, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian, Martha’s Table, and two terms on The Osage Nation Foundation.