ABOUT
STORY
The vision of BLANCOBeads came to life in 2008, during my freshman year of college. At the time, I was just a student seeking ways to sustain myself financially. My aunt, visiting America from Nigeria for the first time, gifted me a collection of waistbeads, unaware of the deep cultural significance they held. Initially, I wore them simply as beautiful body jewelry, not realizing their profound history and potential impact. My aunt never explained their meaning, and I wore them for their aesthetic appeal, not considering their physical or spiritual benefits.
She had gifted me so many that I began sharing them with friends, most of whom had never encountered waistbeads before. What began as casual gifting soon transformed when other women on campus saw the beauty and allure of these beads. As a biology major aspiring to become a doctor, I never imagined I would one day enter the world of entrepreneurship. Yet, waistbeads quickly became a sought-after treasure on campus, and I started selling them for just $1 a strand, unaware of the future significance they would hold in the West.
By 2015, I had chosen a different path and was working in government. Waistbeads, however, had resurfaced in my life, as they began gaining popularity in the U.S., especially in relation to fitness, wellness, and the art of waist shaping. It was during this time that my personal transformation deepened. I embraced a more natural and spiritual lifestyle, seeking ways to detoxify both body and soul. In this journey, I crossed paths with a remarkable woman named Giovanni. She introduced me to womb wellness, and through our practice, I discovered that waistbeads were far more than ornamental—they held profound spiritual and cultural significance.
VISION
We create things
we love for the
people you love.
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ABOUT CON'T
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For the Yoruba people, my people, waistbeads symbolize more than beauty. Infused with charms, crystals, and colors, they are imbued with energy, designed to enhance the wearer’s confidence, spiritual alignment, and sensuality. Waistbeads are not merely about keeping the waist small; they are a powerful expression of feminine energy, worn by Yoruba women from birth. Over time, they evolve with a woman’s life, marking significant transitions such as her first menses, changes in social status, fertility, and spiritual growth. They serve as symbols of protection, healing, and even attraction.
In our culture, waistbeads have a sensual allure, often hidden beneath clothing and reserved for the gaze of a partner. Yoruba tradition even has songs that celebrate the seductive power of a woman’s waist adorned with beads. Yet, as waistbeads have transitioned into the Western world, they have taken on new meanings and forms. They are now embraced by individuals of all genders, reflecting broader societal shifts around identity and self-expression.
As waistbead brands proliferated, I recognized the need to distinguish BLANCOBeads from the rest. At BLANCOBeads, we offer more than just adornment—we offer personalization. Each piece is a bespoke creation, tailored to the specific needs and desires of our clients. Whether seeking peace, confidence, or spiritual alignment, we carefully select colors, crystals, and charms that resonate with your unique energy. Our waistbeads are for everyone, transcending culture and belief systems. Whether worn for fitness, aesthetics, or spirituality, BLANCOBeads are a luxurious expression of what waistbeads can mean for you, wherever you are on your journey.