Meet OUR Founder
Déo-Gratias, the founder of Boujee Beadz, has a journey deeply rooted in embracing her cultural identity. Born in Benin and raised in Maryland, USA, she initially struggled with confidence in representing her heritage, feeling out of place in her community. However, a transformative experience at the age of 12, spending a couple of years living in Benin, ignited a profound connection to her roots. Since then, she has fervently shared her love for Benin, becoming a passionate advocate for its beauty and culture.
Boujee Beadz emerged during a pivotal moment in Déo-Gratias' life, amid a global pandemic and her relocation to Canada. Despite leaving her familiar surroundings, she carried faith in her business idea and its potential for success. Boujee Beadz quickly made its mark in Montreal, Canada, through pop-ups, events, and conferences, while Déo-Gratias balanced entrepreneurship with pursuing her Bachelor's degree and engaging in leadership roles within her student community.
Navigating multiple responsibilities can be challenging, but Déo-Gratias remains driven by her faith and the belief that with God's guidance, she can exceed expectations. Ephesians 3:20 serves as her guiding principle, reflecting her determination to propel Boujee Beadz and her career to greater heights.
Discover the Beauty of Benin
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Benin, a beautiful West African nation, is steeped in rich history and vibrant culture. It is nestled between Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso and Niger to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The country consists of 12 departments, each contributing to its diverse tapestry of traditions, languages, and landscapes. With a population of over 13 million people, Benin is a place where past and present harmoniously coexist, making it a beacon of history and heritage in Africa.
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Before colonial rule, Benin was known as the Kingdom of Dahomey, famous for its powerful kings and the legendary Amazons of Dahomey—an all-female military regiment celebrated for their bravery and strength. The nation is also home to the Ouidah Slave Port, which served as a major hub during the transatlantic slave trade. Today, Ouidah stands as both a sobering reminder of this dark chapter and a center for reflection and education. Visitors from around the world come to pay homage at "La Porte du Non-Retour," a memorial arch made of concrete and bronze. Benin gained its independence from France on August 1, 1960, a milestone proudly celebrated each year as a testament to the nation’s resilience and sovereignty.
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The official language of Benin is French, but its cultural diversity is reflected in over 68 indigenous languages, including Fon, Yoruba, Goun, and Bariba. This linguistic richness mirrors the country’s dynamic cultural expressions, which are evident in its art, music, and traditional practices.
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Benin’s landscapes are as captivating as its culture. From the picturesque Tanougou Falls and the Dassa Hills to the Pendjari Safari Park and Ganvié, also known as the "Venice of Africa," the country offers breathtaking sights. The serene beaches along its southern coast further add to its allure, making Benin a must-visit destination.
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At Boujee Beadz, we are deeply inspired by the beauty and cultural wealth of Benin. Each of our handmade waist beads are meticulously crafted in Benin, carrying a piece of its history and essence. The names of our waist beads are carefully chosen to reflect the cultural significance of Beninese traditions, people, and places. Through our products, we aim to celebrate the beauty of Benin while sharing its stories with the world.
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At Boujee Beadz, our mission is to craft more than accessories—we create experiences of self-love and body positivity. By sharing Benin’s cultural richness with women across the globe, we honor the land that inspires us and the women who wear our beads. As you explore our collections, know that each piece carries a fragment of Benin’s vibrant culture and history, helping our beloved motherland shine brighter with every bead.
When Boujee Beadz grows, Benin glows—and that means the world to us.
FAQs
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What is the purpose of waistbeads?
Waistbeads serve many roles such as the following:
Serves as an accessory or adornment
Helps track weight loss and weight gain
Trains the waistline and enhances body shaping
Promotes femininity and sensuality
What is the significance of waist beads?
Waist beads hold significant cultural and personal meanings, varying by tradition, region, and individual purpose. They have deep roots in African cultures, with origins tracing back to ancient Egypt and West Africa. They are often associated with femininity, beauty, and cultural identity. Depending on one’s ethnic background, traditionally, they may be a symbol of any of the following: coming of age, chastity, marriage, motherhood, sexual liberation, societal status etc. Ultimately, waist beads are more than just jewelry; they are a powerful blend of culture, history, and personal expression.
Do the colors have meaning?
At Boujee Beadz, we believe that the colors you wear should symbolize whatever you want them to represent. Choose colors that you love or that simply make you feel confident and beautiful.
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Where should I tie my waistbeads?
Waist beads are traditionally tied around the lower hip. However, you may tie it higher along the waistline depending on your preference. If you choose to tie them higher on the waistline, we advise that you do not tie them too tight to avoid discomfort when eating or the possibility of breaking when bloated.
How long do they last?
With proper care, our waist beads can last up to 2 years or more. Please be advised that colors are prone to fade over time.
How often should I change them?
This is completely up to you! Whether you want to keep them for a couple of years or switch them up every season, Boujee Beadz will always be here when you’re ready for a new set.
Can I bathe in them?
Absolutely! Once tied, your waistbeads are meant to be worn permanently until you choose to cut them off. This means you can eat, sleep, bathe, swim, dance, and do all that you please until you decide to part ways with them.
Can anyone wear them?At Boujee Beadz, we welcome women of all walks to wear our waistbeads. We believe everyone should be able to adorn themselves with our handmade treasures if they please.
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How to tie my waist beads?
Check out our tutorial here.
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How long does shipping take?
Our orders are processed within 2-3 business days. Shipping duration depends on your location and is estimated once your address has been entered when placing your order. Please note that customers are responsible for any customs or import fees if applicable. We are also not responsible for any delays due to customs.
Do we offer pickup?
Unfortunately, we do not. However, stay connected with us on our social media platforms to find out about our next pop-up near you!
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Can I return my order?
Due to the sensitive nature of our products, all sales are final. Should there be any issues with your order please contact us.
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Where are they made?
Our waist beads are handmade in the beautiful Republic of Benin located in West Africa.
What are waist beads made of?
Our waist beads are made of colorful glass and plastic seed beads along with cotton thread to ensure durability.
Are prices per waist bead?
Yes, prices listed on our site are per single waist bead strand.
What currency are the prices in?
All our products are priced in USD.
Do you make custom orders?
Unfortunately, all our waist beads are pre-made. However, if there’s a specific color or design you would like to see we are always open to suggestions. Feel free to contact us!
Where are you located?
We are currently based in Canada, specifically in Montreal, Quebec. However, we ship worldwide.
Do you have a physical store?
Not yet, but we often have pop-ups so stay connected with us on our social media platforms so you don’t miss the next one!