Born and raised on the Qualla Indian Boundary in western North Carolina, Carol Welch is a woman filled with the history and tradition of her people. Carol is a descendant of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, a group who remained in the mountains of North Carolina during the 1830s instead of marching on the “Trail of Tears” to Oklahoma.

At the age of 65, Carol continues to practice the traditional art of basket weaving passed down from generations before. “I learned [to weave] when I was 12 by watching my mama.” Carol recreates the time-honored custom of weaving by using locally grown, all natural materials. Currently, Carol is in the process of opening a craft shop in her home where she will showcase her own work along with the work of her family and friends. In preparation for the opening of her shop, Carol spends her time at home in the company of her seven dogs weaving in order to build up an inventory.