Native Star Recognized as 2026 Small Business of the Year by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner

• Annel Lopez Hailey
• Communications Director
• (916) 319-2077
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA. - Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) recognized Native Star, California's first and only Native American boutique. Each year, Assemblymember Boerner recognizes a local small business as Assembly District 77's Business of the Year.

"I am so proud to recognize Ruth-Ann and Native Star. Her products are rooted in and celebrate Native American culture. Ruth-Ann saw a gap in the market, and has successfully filled it, providing access to other indigenous creatives to share their products. The story of her brand and how she uplifts her culture is inspiring," stated Assemblymember Boerner.

"We are deeply grateful and honored to be recognized as the Small Business of the Year by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. Native Star shines brightly for all our Indigenous communities," said Ruth-Ann Thorn, Founder of Native Star.

Native Star was founded by Rincon tribal member Ruth-Ann Thorn in 2022 to showcase and sell the many creations from indigenous artisans.

In 2026, Ruth-Ann's beauty line, N8iv Beauty, was featured as one of Time 100 Magazine's Most Influential Companies and ranked within the top ten in the category of beauty and fashion. Learn more about the business here.

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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky.