Elaina Osife recently traveled to Maricopa, Arizona, to participate in the Moonshot Pitch Competition, held on June 21 at Butterfield Elementary School.

The competition was hosted by Moonshot Arizona, a  nonprofit dedicated to helping entrepreneurs in the Valley take their dreams to the next level. They host workshops, lab space for networking opportunities, networking meetings, competitions and much more. 

Moonshot Arizona created the pitch competition akin to the ABC television show, “Shark Tank.” This competition format puts entrepreneurs face-to-face with influential executives who can help transform their business idea into a thriving, multi-million dollar enterprise.

Osife is the proud owner and operator of Mesquite Butterfly Trades, LLC, an online marketplace that features handmade goods, jewelry, and a variety of natural wellness products. “Think of it as an Indigenous Etsy where creativity, storytelling, cultural pride, and entrepreneurship meet,” Osife said. 

She continued, “This marketplace is built with storytelling at its core, presenting authenticity. Every product holds a message. Every artisan carries wisdom. As the business grows, I plan to introduce multiple vendor categories and featured sections. One of them is ‘Open Market Chic,’ which will highlight Indigenous artisans whose work may not be cultural in appearance, but is deeply creative, high-quality, and deserving of space.”

Being in the presence of many Valley entrepreneurs and sharing her ideas was a difficult challenge she was able to overcome thanks to the Creator, Osife said. 

“There’s always fear, especially for Indigenous women, of being overlooked, misunderstood, or copied. I grounded myself in purpose. This vision was given to me by Creator, and I carry it with humility and passion. No one can replicate what’s infused with spirit, love, and a lived experience. That truth became my power.”

Utilizing the resources and support provided by Moonshot, Osife was awarded a $3,500 grant and spoke with financial and legal advisors to get guidance on how to launch Mesquite Butterfly Trades, LLC properly. 

Osife added, “I plan to return for future pitch opportunities. For now, I’m focused on building quietly and powerfully so when I return, I can show up with full execution, intention, and impact.”

In the meantime, Osife continues to refine her talents as she begins to expand her horizons and her business acumen with two additional projects. 

“In addition to the marketplace, I’m also developing two sister brands that complete the ecosystem,” she said. “[One is] Love & Joy Butterfly Co. and [the other is] Level Up Podcast.”

Love & Joy Butterfly specializes in holistic candles, natural beauty goods, prayers, mantras, and other self-care tools. Her podcast series will feature stories about people overcoming obstacles and ‘leveling up’ in different aspects of their life, whether it be emotionally, spiritually or financially. 

“All three brands, the marketplace, the candle company, and the podcast, are connected by one mission: Healing through story, creation, and reclamation,” Osife said. 

As she continues to ascend, Osife remains motivated and humble with her eyes set on the ultimate prize, healing the people.  

“This vision is original, spirit-led, and rooted in love for my people and all those who have been silenced, unseen, or underserved,” said Osife. “I believe storytelling is medicine. I believe healing is wealth and I believe entrepreneurship, when done with soul, can change generations. We’re not just trading products. We’re trading power, truth, and legacy.”

Mesquite Butterfly Trades is currently in development with plans for a full launch to come at a later date. 

Osife was also selected for the 2025 Arizona State University Thunderbird Dreamcatcher Cohort for Native American women entrepreneurs. She graduated from the program in early August. 

Be on the lookout for the September 4 edition of O’odham Action News, which will spotlight Osife following her graduation from the program.