At the heart of every Sun Treasurz creation is a deep respect for heritage, craftsmanship, and culture. Operating as a remote business, Sun Treasurz is known especially for their handmade Native American-style moccasins, each pair a unique expression of tradition, artistry, and personal identity.
Co-owners Mike Kreus and Sheila Merriman launched Sun Treasurz after working at Desert Sun, a Tucson business that closed after 50 years. During their time there, Kreus primarily focused on crafting moccasins, while Merriman handled sales.
Rooted in Tradition: The Art of Moccasin Making
Before joining Desert Sun, Kreus made horsehair bands and belts. But it was learning the art of moccasin-making from a Navajo man named Lenny that truly transformed his path. That hands-on experience became the foundation for starting a new venture with Merriman and opening up their business, Sun Treasurz. Today, that early mentorship continues to shape their craft.
Each pair of moccasins is a blend of tradition and thoughtful design. These designs are based on the traditional styles of Native American peoples of the Southwest. The soles of the moccasins are precisely shaped by hand and joined to the suede or deer hide through a hidden stitching method. The materials are all authentic: durable cowhide forms the soles, while suede and deer hide make up the tops. Sun Treasurz sources their deer hide from Maine, which Merriman states is a high-quality deer hide.
Taking up to two hours per pair, every piece of the moccasins is cut by hand, using no machinery. Occasionally, they collaborate with Kreus’ Navajo mentor to fulfill orders from customers who prefer moccasins made by a Native American artisan.
As Kreus puts it, “Our moccasins are not mass produced.” These moccasins are one of a kind, handmade with skill and care.
Celebrating the Makers
For Kreus and Merriman, the motivation to start a business came from honoring the makers behind each piece. The immense time, care and effort that go into every creation sets them apart.
Sun Treasurz celebrates the stories and hard work of makers from all different backgrounds. The passion these makers have for their craft is reflected in their work.
One of their mottos is, “We honor exceptional handcrafted products and the artists who make them, and we want to support a world where beautiful goods and their makers can have a positive impact.”
Sheila recalls meaningful conversations with artisans like Shaun Rogers, a Navajo and Hopi craftsman, whose personal journey exemplifies the spirit behind each of his creations.
Each piece carries its own story. That’s what makes them truly special.
Materials That Matter
Sun Treasurz also features a variety of jewelry, most of which is crafted using sterling silver, with some nickel silver pieces as well. Some of the nickel silver pieces were made by a Navajo artisan who was still developing his skills. Over the past two years, he has grown into working with sterling silver and red brass, giving his jewelry a more unique style.
Availability and affordability are crucial in determining what materials are used in these pieces. Handmade pieces take time and care; some pieces can take up to a year to be made.
The jewelry often includes different types of turquoise, along with spiny oyster, mother of pearl, onyx, obsidian and coral. While their current most expensive piece is a four-strand necklace priced at $1,500, Sun Treasurz has a variety of pieces, making traditional style accessible to all.
Looking Ahead
While a physical store remains a future goal, Sun Treasurz thrives today through its remote, flexible business model and personal touch. Mike and Sheila are proud to carry forward a legacy of craftsmanship, community, and culture, making traditional Native American moccasins and jewelry accessible to new generations.
“Moccasin making is a dying art,” Kreus said. “Many Native American moccasin and jewelry makers aren’t passing down their skills because younger generations aren’t always interested in learning,” Merriman added.
Still, there are younger artisans who are keeping these traditions alive. Sun Treasurz is committed to preserving the art of moccasin making, ensuring it continues for generations to come.
Sun Treasurz attends the Foothills Community Market every Saturday, where you can find Kreus handcrafting moccasins and Merriman selling jewelry. They also sell moccasins through various Native American trading posts, expanding their reach.
At its core, Sun Treasurz is more than a business, it’s a living tribute to Native American heritage and craftsmanship. Through every stitch, design and carefully selected material, Kreus and Merriman strive to keep traditions alive, while supporting the artists who carry this legacy forward.
"The soles of the moccasins are precisely shaped by hand and joined to the suede or deer hide through a hidden stitching method."