Conversations with Vanessa Pierre

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Pierre.

Hi Vanessa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Vanessa Pierre, I am Haitian-American and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am 26, currently in school for my masters in Criminal Justice at Florida State University, I have a full-time job, and I am the owner for Beads By Nessa. Ever since I was in middle school, I had an obsession with Africa as a whole. I read books, I watched documentaries, and I even did my own personal studies. I guess you can say I was conscious/woke before it was “cool.” I was in high school when I first learned about Waistbeads & their meanings so when I finally started to make my own money, I decided to buy me some. My first pair of Waistbeads were from Kenya & I THOUGHT I was the ish!! They made me feel beautiful, feminine, and I felt complete.

The idea for Beads By Nessa came about in April of 2019. I wanted to buy more from the Kenyan shop on Etsy, but when I saw that shipping was $20, so I was like “Oh nah. Let me YouTube how to make these.” I’ve always been the creative type so doing anything that was hands on was natural to me. While doing research on Waistbeads, I learned that it is not just about a chain on your waist it is about how you feel inside and the divine connection you have with yourself. Waistbeads help people heal, and guide people who are on a spiritual journey. While making beads I learned that it helped me with my anxiety and it relaxed me. I made some for friends & family and they convinced me to make it a business. I sat down and came up with a business plan. Thus, Beads By Nessa was created. I fell in love with the art of making women feel beautiful.

I went to my cousin Valenda, @MosieAlive, who helped me create my logo and the color scheme for my brand. She also does all of my stickers and package stuffers. I also asked other Waistbead creators for advice and they have helped me tremendously.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This journey has not been easy. I’ve had to deal with beads falling all over, strings popping, and to find the right type of bead that wouldn’t tarnish so quickly. There has been a lot of trial and error and lots of money lost but in the end it’s always worth it. Also, I’ve had to deal with disrespectful people saying I was changing the whole meaning. I’ve learned to overcome negativity & not let it disturb my spirit. I feel like I really did not take into consideration that running a business is hard work and takes a lot of manpower and sleepless nights (I feel like I’m in undergrad all over again) but in the end it is all worth it. I had to learn Quality over Quantity then I realized most of my returning customers don’t even follow me. I was counting followers and not my content. My friends and family are my biggest supporters and whenever I felt discouraged I would look to them for advice.

It was difficult when I first started because there are 1000s of women who make/sell Waistbeads. I was nervous because who would buy a pair of Waistbeads from a Haitian woman. I am a one woman show who works alone most of the time. Whenever I get overwhelmed I have my step-sis help me. (after cleansing of course)

I would like to say that my passion for my business has definitely grown. I am constantly coming up with new ways to help a woman express her femininity and her beauty. I am learning how to market properly, how to take and edit product pictures, network with other companies, pop up shops, and so much more.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe every woman is beautiful and that we should embrace our womanhood. This is why “embrace your womanhood” is my motto. Society has made it to where you need a “Coca Cola” shaped body to be beautiful. The meaning of Waistbeads varies within the different countries & tribes. I make Waistbeads, bracelets, anklets, and rings. I am mostly known for my Waistbeads though. I have a creative mind & I love to put my heart into my work. I am proud of myself. I have become more grounded, Spiritual, and understanding of the women I am today. I believe I am different because I love to make a woman feel sensual. So I ask intimate questions and I try to get a feel of what you like & try to create it.

I would like to say that every Waistbead, bracelet, anklet, and ring is made to order and made with care. I make sure my energy is always positive. Every item I make is personal to me; I am all about customer care and satisfaction.

Right now, I am focusing on bettering myself and my community. I am learning more and more things about myself every day. I am growing daily and I love to express my creativity through my work. I know I will be faced with many challenges in the next coming year so mentally & spiritual I am preparing myself for it.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I read a lot but I usually read from Brenda Jackson, mainly the Westmoreland series. I use the Canva app and Photoshop express to edit and market. For podcasts I usually listen to Black Widow podcast and The Read.

Contact Info:

• Email: Beadsbynessa@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.beadsbynessa.com/
• Instagram: @BeadsByNessa
• Twitter: @BeadsByNessa