Her+WHY
Sultry Beadworks was started by Kashea Lané, a spirited and driven 35-year old African-American woman who found herself captivated by the arts and traditions of African culture. Humbly, Kashea always recognized her beautiful physical features that accentuate her African ancestry and has always been drawn to studying and understanding the history and culture of her heritage. She was always drawn to the style, clothing, music, movements and spirituality system of Africa and aspired to learn more. As the rise of African pride among the African-American community amplified, Kashea was moved by the style, meaning and statement displayed by waist beads. No matter the waist shape, size, or skin tone, she felt like waist beads brought a voluptuousness to the woman's body.
“I loved the meaning behind the colors and crystals, and the little details in every set. So I stepped out on faith, and made the decision to purchase and create my own.” — Kashea Lané
Kashea Lané began the idea for Sultry Waistbeads after the first month of quarantine. As everyone adjusted to the social distancing put in place due to the deadly virus, Covid-19, Kashea, who also works as a para professional for Pre-K children, was sidelined with more free time on her hands than ever before.
“I am all about self-care, self-expression, self-love and being true to yourself and your purpose. I was on a personal journey trying to find that ‘thing’ that fulfilled me after a lot of down time during the Covid-19 pandemic. Something that tapped into my creativity and independence and felt like it was just for me.”
-Kashea Lane’
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
She started tapping into her more artistic side by exploring African art and patterns online, and found herself intrigued by the history, tradition and style of African waist beads. This inspired her to create her own personal waistbeads, but due to the Corona virus shutting down so many companies, she was unable to order the supplies needed. This didn't stop her, she pulled out her paint and canvas from another creative pursuit she explored and began painting beautiful women of color.
“Every little detail in my waistbead designs is personal, and I love crafting pieces that are created specifically to fit the aura of my customer.”
The more artwork pieces she created the more she anticipated the opportunity to begin creating waist beads. The waiting period allowed Kashea to expand her idea to not only making waistbeads for herself and friends, but creating a company that would inspire women of all shades and shapes who don't know where to find handmade waist jewelry that comes with a rich history, and so many significant meanings to the woman body, mind and spirit.
About Waistbeads
Waist beads is an age old tradition since the 15th centuries that spread to several African countries. Many believe it originated in Ancient Egypt, but the tradition was popularized by the Yoruba tribe.
Wearing waistbeads are a part of tradition in African culture. Traditions of wearing waistbeads may vary from tribe to tribe which include but are not limited to: protection, puberty,
child labor,
medicine, spirituality, awakening, fertility, sexuality, support, status, strength, love and marriage. Many African women use the beads to represent a young woman's purity, nobility and righteousness.
Fashion.
Most waistbeads are worn under clothing, however waist beads can be worn visibly as a fashion statement. Some women wear them as an accessory to their outfit.
Health.
Waistbeads can be used as a motivational tool for women who desire to lose weight. Some waist beads can have healing qualities through prayer or medical herbs and oil infused in them. The colors in your beads can be associated with a certain Chakra energy within the body to help with healing.
Sexuality.
Waistbeads can be worn to enhance the sexual experiences between romantic partners. Waistbeads have the ability to improve your self confidence, self esteem, and the perception of your self worth which can have an overall positive effect on your mental health. Wearing waist beads during sexual intercourse can also excite and create a pleasurable experience with your lover.
Waist Training
Women often associate waistbeads as a tool for body shaping. Waist beads can assist with developing a curvy figure and can be worn to help women with maintaining their size and shape. The beads can be used for monitoring your weight, enhancing your curves, distribution of your weight gain and also weight management.
Weight Loss and Weight Gain
Waistbeads can be used as a motivational tool to lose weight but wearing waistbeads will not make you lose weight or gain weight. If you want to change your body and you need waist beads to help assist then you must incorporate a diet or workout plan. Waist beads can be used to help monitor your weight loss by tracking your progress. The beads roll up the waist with weight gain. If they become too tight and they have not broken, it can cause discomfort which then it is recommended to remove. As weight loss continues the beads will fall lower on your waist or they may fall completely off. You can add more beads as your body continues to develop and place them in certain areas that can further assist.
Goddess Collection
Beach Collection
Crystal Collection
