Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Harris.
Hi Monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m the owner of Journey Waistbeads & Bracelets LLC. I’m originally from the Midwest. Born in Chicago, raised in NW Indiana and relocated to GA over a year ago.
Starting my own business was never in my foresight. It’s really something that chose me. Actually, I’ve never even considered myself the artsy or hobby type, especially not making body adornments. My business came about when I was experiencing a rough patch in my life which sent me on a spiritual journey of discovery.
During that time, I had picked up so many hobbies and things to keep me busy. One day my daughter asked me about a beaded gemstone bracelet I bought from someone. She said ma, you think you make that? I really want one too! I looked at it and said I think so. I went out the next day to the hobby store to buy the stuff to make my baby a bracelet.
I ended up making both of my daughters a gemstone bracelet and they loved them. I posted them on FB and it received so much love from everyone. One of my good friends made a comment and said you know you could sell these? I brushed it off, then she asked me could I make waist beads. Prior to that, I had never heard of waist beads. I dove in head first, reading everything I could about them. That was over three years ago and I haven’t looked back.
At that time I was working a part-time job as a tables games dealer. Crafting waistbeads and bracelets had become my side gig. All while being a wife and mother to three children at that time. It’s safe to say things got pretty overwhelming. I felt like my job was draining my life and making waist beads was so much more fulfilling. I really developed a passion for waistbeads and I loved the way they transformed my life and that of other women.
In the summer of 2019, with the support of my husband, I chose my passion full time and have been working in it ever since. In the summer of 2021, we relocated our family to Georgia in hopes of expanding my business. Such a bold move but it has proven to be a good move.
I hit the ground running participating in vendor events and festivals to help get my name out there. Social media, referrals, and word of mouth has really been the driving force of my continued success. I created a journal/affirmation book that can be used as tool to aid you on your waistbead journey. I opened up my very own shop in March of this year. It’s a space where women can come shop and get their waistbeads tied on in private. A safe space to be themselves and also learn valuable information about waistbeads and their many uses.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe one of the bumpiest rides I’ve ever rode is called entrepreneurship. So many ups, downs, twists, and turns. I’ve had many struggles that most who’ve never run a business before face. Financing, marketing, inventory, customer service, social media management, product photographer, content creation it all falls on you. Every single day is a learning experience for me. Lots of trial and error, late-night meetings with YouTube university. Me stalking Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. Ordering all the wrong string, cheap beads( not anymore), too small beads, too large beads and a plethora of other rookie mistakes were made to get me to where I am now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Crafting waistbeads is what I do and is something I’m truly proud of. It’s an art form that allows you to express yourself freely. Waistbeads are a tool that women wear for many different reasons. Spiritual well-being, femininity, weight management, sensuality, fertility, attraction, and many other reasons. This is what I love about them, they serve every women differently.
My specialty has always been creating intention waistbeads. These are waistbeads made specifically for that individual’s needs so that they can be used as tools for manifestation. This is achieved by way of consultation. Then I’m able to pick the specifics that need to go into the waistbeads such as colors, crystals/gemstone and or charms.
I pride myself on being able to listen and bring to life exactly what my clients envision.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you are just starting out my advice to you is do the work. Research, sign up for classes, and find a mentor. I’ve learned If it’s your passion, at some point you’re gonna have to take counsel from those who are in the position you want to be in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.journeywaistbeads.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/journeyswaistbeads
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/journeywaistbeads
Image Credits:
Felicia T. Simpson
