Lena learned to weave from her mother Susie Begay, and her father Keith Begay weaves as well. Lena's siblings are Margie Begay Scott, Milton Begay, Jolene Begay, and Herlinda Begay. Her half-bothers by Susie's first marriage (to Billy Yazzie) are Larry, Clark and Kee Yazzie. Lena's aunt (Susie’s sister) is Bessie Begay, so Wanda and Stanley Begay are her cousins. In addition, in the Navajo way, Billy Yazzie's nieces Lena and Nora Yazzie are also considered to be her cousins. Lena's husband is Edward Curtiss, and he is related to the Curtis family of Ganado. They have two children, Herschel and Tony, and are also raising Lisa, by Edward's first marriage. Lena is also teaching her older stepdaughter, Michelle how to weave. Lena and Larry Yazzie began a new regional style in the early 1990s honoring their homeland, Blue Canyon. Although the entire family weaves in the Raised Outline technique, Lena and Larry began incorporating new designs and colors, creating asymmetrical and totally unique textiles. They gave the regional title "Blue Canyon" to these pieces, to recognize their homeland in northern Arizona. The incredible artistry in her use of design and color make Lena's weavings easy to recognize.