Today we’d like to introduce you to Renia Bankhead. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Based out of Orlando, Be You Body Beads was created when owner, Renia Bankhead, wanted a way to manage her weight and weight loss without getting on the scale. After researching the history and meaning of Waist Beads, Renia began making them for herself. She loved the way they made her feel about her body and loved that she was able to incorporate genuine crystals and their healing energies into her beads. She knew this was a feeling she wanted other women to experience whether losing weight or learning to embrace their body as is.
Thus, Be You Body Beads was created. The mission is to assist women of ALL shapes and sizes to Be You and Embrace Your Body! We live in a world where natural bodies aren’t always valued but when you put on a pair of Be You Body Beads, society’s standards go out the window.
Today, Be You Body Beads provides a variety of products. Custom Waist Beads handmade by the Owner are still available, as well as Traditional Waist Beads handmade in Ghana, handmade bracelets, anklets, rings and more!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I want to make a name for my business in the city of Orlando. I have a very unique product so finding the right opportunities for my business can sometimes be a challenge but overall, I think I am exactly where I need to be on my small business journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My most popular items are my traditional waist beads that are made in Ghana. Waist Beads are a traditional item worn in many different African cultures. They have become more popular today in mainstream culture but it is important that people understand their significance and educate themselves before hopping on a “trend”. Despite what people may think waist beads are a sacred item that are not meant to be shown. They are a personal item. The meaning of the beads and colors can vary from tribe to tribe. Today many women in America use them to aid with weight loss/weight management as the beads get tighter when you are bloated or gain weight. When you lose weight the beads loosen and drop. They are a symbol or femininity and in some cases a right of passage gift as young girls enter into womanhood. As an African American woman these waist beads have been a part of my journey to better understanding my roots and connect to my spirituality. There is something so beautiful about tying a pair of waist beads on a woman and watching her face glow as she sees the beauty in her own body. This is a feeling that I have had the opportunity to share with the many women who have found my business and thought they were “too fat” or “needed to lose weight” before putting on beads. I am restoring and building confidence in beautiful Melanated Goddesses one waist bead at a time!
Any big plans?
In the future, I would love to open up a storefront specializing in wholistic herbs, waist beads, hand-made jewelry, and etc. Ultimately I want a sanctuary for women to come and feel good and restore the magic that is within them! That is a long-term goal however. My short-term goal is to continue to find vending opportunities within the city and to help as many Goddesses as I can embrace their bodies.
Pricing:
- Traditional Waist Beads – $10-$20
- Custom Waist Beads – $10-$28
- White Sage – $5
- Variety of Crystals – $2
Contact Info:
- Email: sales@beyoubodybeads.net
- Website: beyoubodybeads.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/be.you.bodybeads
- Facebook: fb.com/be.you.bodybeads
Image Credits:
mikajohnsonphotograpghy
