As a young girl, Armanda Ortega, President of ARTSCO Inc, was fortunate to have grown up in two unique worlds. She learned traditional Navajo ways from her mother’s Native American family who staunchly followed traditional religious and cultural practices. She also learned another world from her father’s family where her grandfather was the legendary Indian trader, Armand Ortega, Sr.

Armanda’s maternal grandfather was a rancher and Navajo Nation grazing officer for 25 years in the Oak Springs chapter. He taught her many things and made it known that his wish was that Armanda not only come to understand and respect Navajo traditions and culture, but that she would also be able to build upon her family’s history and open a business on the Navajo Nation. His vision was that her business venture would promote understanding of Navajo ways and also serve to benefit local Native Americans through job creation.

The other world that Armanda grew up in was influenced greatly by the Ortega’s long and successful business history of trading and supporting appreciation of Native American handicrafts. Armanda grew up near her grandfather Armand Ortega, Sr. and he taught her something new about the family business every day. His wish was that Armanda successfully combine her Native American heritage and strong business background to one day form her own company and take that company to a level beyond that yet achieved by any Ortega family member.