Every year when the weather warms up, and crop tops come out, it is not uncommon to see women wearing waist beads around their midsection. It wasn't until recently that I learned that waist beads are actually a traditional African accessory that represents sensuality, spiritual well-being, and fertility. They can also be used to track weight loss and adjust your posture. Traditionally, waist beads are composed of small glass beads where each color has meaning. Some even have charms, stones, or crystals attached to them.
I was aware of the fact that my posture is not the best due to working at a desk & I wanted something "extra" to motivate the toning of my midsection; I inquired with India Reed- the owner of Red Girl Waisted about her waist beads. She has been studying the color meaning and reading Aura's since 2010, but it wasn't until 2020 that she decided to launch her business. With this knowledge base, she puts together what she calls Manifestation Sets - where customers may choose each bead color and stone with its own meaning.
"When I learned about this, I was being homeschooled and wasn’t around people often. I needed a way to feel connected, so I started making waist beads and forming them specifically based on my customers. Connecting to people through manifestation has always been a large part of my life. When I share my goals and wants in life and vice versa with someone I really CONNECT. I am now invested in seeing you bringing forth what you told me you want to bring into life." says India when asked what made her choose this type of business. "My business is something you’ll see going around rather often right now. HOWEVER, I keep my waist beading to a traditional technique. I still use hemp cord and bless all my stones and beads prior to putting them together. Every set is made and blessed FOR YOU!!"
Readers, I will not share the meaning behind the one she made for me because that’s my prerogative. However, I can say that I put it on as soon as it came in the mail. I am feeling like it’s going to be a hot girl summer with my #RedGirlWaisted beads. Disclaimer- they do not have a clasp on them & will only come off if you untie or cut them. For more information on how to order a waist bead set or how they are made, please visit Red Girl Waisted!
Anastasia Shelton
*Despite COVID-19 hitting the world pretty hard (maybe we shouldn't have complained so much in 2019), there are lots of small businesses still thriving and new ones popping up left and right. Every week I will feature my own thoughts on some of these businesses in the hope that we all can make it through & support each other during these questionable times.*
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