Photo by Ravens Eye Media, Bear Allison
Ganvhida Designs
A Modern Expression of Indigenous Fashion
Founded in 2022, Ganvhida Designs is a contemporary Indigenous fashion brand created to bring Cherokee artistry into everyday style. After years of designing on a small scale, Faith Long-Presley launched the brand with a vision to blend cultural tradition with modern fashion, making Indigenous design accessible for all occasions. Named in honor of her family name, “Ganvhida” means Long in Cherokee, reflecting both her lineage and the enduring legacy of Cherokee craftsmanship. The brand draws inspiration from traditional Cherokee imagery and basketry, incorporating intricate patterns and symbolism into wearable, modern designs. At its core, Ganvhida Designs is about innovation, resilience, and cultural pride. By weaving together history and contemporary fashion, the brand ensures that Indigenous artistry continues to evolve and thrive in today’s world.
Photo by Ravens Eye Media, Bear Allison
Inspired by Community
Faith Long-Presley is an enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and Founding Owner of the highly successful Ganvhida Designs, LLC. Long-Presley comes from a renowned lineage of Cherokee craftspeople and artisans. After graduating with a BA from Carson Newman University in Business Administration, Long-Presley returned to Cherokee, North Carolina as the Portfolio Risk Manager and Digital Marketing Manager for a Native Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, the Sequoyah Fund. In 2017, Long-Presley served as Miss Cherokee, a position that showcased her commitment as a cultural ambassador for the EBCI. Her dedication to Cherokee arts and culture continued to grow as she partnered to develop the Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show in Cherokee, NC, now in its seventh year. Long-Presley has also been a contributing designer for the past six years. Since her first entry into the world of fashion design, Long-Presley has earned multiple 1st place awards in textile categories, and notably the 2023 Destination Marketing Creativity Award at the Kananesgi Art Show. Additionally, she is a novice potter, studying under Master Potter Tara McCoy (EBCI), and her work is on display at the Museum of the Cherokee People. Long-Presley has dedicated her career to empowering EBCI citizens to achieve their goals as professional artists through training, financing, and mentorship. She currently lives in Cherokee, North Carolina with her husband and daughter.
Photo by Ravens Eye Media, Bear Allison
A Special Thank You
I wanted to give my Etsi, my mama, a special thank you.
She has been my number one supporter throughout this journey and throughout my entire life. From buying the very first ribbon skirt I made, botched ribbon and all, to constantly driving me to be a better woman and community member. I am so incredibly proud of who she is as a person and I am eternally grateful that Creator made her my mama.
Gv-Ge-Yu
Sgi