Today we’d like to introduce you to Teonnie Houston.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. My true story isn’t one for the fairytale books. It’s not filled with wonderful childhood experiences or happy family memories. I was born in Los Angeles, CA. I was the only child my mother, Florence gave birth to. Inspite of every trial and trauma experienced, I loved my mother dearly. Being raised by a drug addicted parent leaves room for terrible things to be seen, heard and even experienced. I can remember at the early age of four years old when there were plenty of times I wouldn’t eat for days and would have to fend for myself. From the ages of 4 to 15 I was sexually abused by male relatives and my step father. I was angry, confused, lonely and yet still in search of a male figure to be a father or brother who would protect and love me without wanting something in return.
In 1989 we relocated to Las Vegas. At age 18 I met my first husband. Finally a man who would love, provide for and protect me. Or so I had hoped. Unfortunately he was just as broken as I was. This common brokenness was the perfect recipe for domestic violence, drug, mental and emotional abuse. However during this marriage four beautiful and talented children were conceived, one boy and three girls.
At age 23 on November 27th 1998 I found my mother unresponsive due to an accidental drug overdose. Of all of the stages of grief, anger was what I held on to the longest. The year following my mother’s death was not only the worst year of my marriage but also the end of it
In November of 1999 the unexpected happened. I met the man that would be everything I had prayed for and more.This man would become the husband I not only wanted but the man needed. Michael. My first real love. Michael and I went on to have one son together completing our blended family of six! It hasn’t always been an easy road but with God in our side we have sustained and grown our love and commitment for one another going on 20 years.
Today I can honestly say that I am happy. I don’t look back at my past as a victim but as victor. Although terrible things happened to me they don’t define who I am. I am able to use those experiences to help encourage other women with similar stories
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh, I’ve had my fair share scrapes and bruises along the way. In retrospect, I’d have to say the biggest obstacle I had to face on this journey was myself. I had to allow myself to heal and forgive not just the men who violated me, but also myself for mistakes I’ve made. I had to let go of anger to open myself up to receive and give love in order to pursue my passion successfully. I’ve had people question me, women in my genre ostracize me, and doors slammed in my face. This is all fuel to propel me closer towards my destiny as I hold fast to God’s promise for my life.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Love Tied Waistbeads story. Tell us more about the business.
With the unwavering support of my husband, Michael, I was given the courage to start a couple of small homebased businesses. All were wonderful but none of lead me in the direction of my calling.
When the idea of making waiatbeads entered my heart early in 2016, I rejected it because in my mind waist beads were for young girls who wanted to wear them for aesthetic purposes only. It wasn’t until I was forced off work due to an injury at the beginning of 2018 that the Lord spoke to me again concerning waiatbeads. It was revealed to me that it’s not just about waist beads but about healing and connection.
I was forced to re-examine myself and address the deep-rooted issues of pain and fear in my heart that prevented me from stepping out on faith and operating in obedience. There was yet and still more healing that had to place. That’s when I finally got it! I had to share my story and testimony of healing with other women from all walks of life, and waist beads were going to be that conduit in which to do so.
I craft waistbeads that are made with a purpose, prayer, and intention to be an anchor of remembrance that every woman is beautiful, loved and destined for greatness.
What I specialize in is providing a service called the Love Tied Experience. The L.T.E. is a time to break bread over fellowship, laughter, sometimes tears, and prayer to help lead women on the path of healing emotionally, mentally and spiritually through instructional coaching. The Waistbeads are the tangible reminder of each woman saying “Yes” to herself.
I’m most proud of the fact that I am able to touch so many lives by giving hope and encouragement, but most of all love. I believe that what sets me apart in this genre is my faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in Love. I am loved by God, and I know that His plan for my life is divine.
Pricing:
- Waistbeads are $20 -$45
- Love Tied Experience $25/hr/person beads not included
- L.T. home studio by appt only. $15 scheduling fee
Contact Info:
- Phone: (562) 760- 5180
- Email: lovetiedstrands@gmail.
com - Instagram: www.instagram.com/
lovetiedwaistbeads
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
