Meet AntonYah Mackey | Beader

We had the good fortune of connecting with AntonYah Mackey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AntonYah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2019 as a sophomore in university I was still embracing my freedom of dressing and accessorizing and saw this captivating waist accessory that I hadn’t seen before while passively on social media. I had begun to learn more on them as far as their uses, meanings and origins and decided I wanted one for myself. From there I sought out for someone in my home country (The Bahamas) that made them. Scourged the internets and social medias to no avail. I expressed my frustrations to my mother who reminded me of my craft blessed hands by telling me “If you can’t find one, make one.” I took it into consideration and begun to research how to make them. The next day my mother took me to our local craft store and I would’ve gathered supplies and excitedly went to work as soon as we arrived home. After the completion of a couple waistbeads for myself, there was a realization of the gap in the market. Shortly after attempting to gather as much and the best available marketing resources I could take I felt the time had come. Henceforth, from The Bahamas being known for the sun, sand and sea; Sun, Sand & Beads was established.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sun, Sand & Beads is a business geared towards the creations of beaded accessories. We create products that the entire family can purchase & enjoy. Whilst waistbeads are most popular, we offer other bead related products from thighlets, anklets, bracelets, bra/chest beads, bodybeads, earrings and more.
Waist-beads can be celebrated in many forms in many cultures and has a rich history stemming from thousands of years ago. For this reason it’s appeal reaches all walks of life. As it serves as a spiritual tool for some, weight loss tool and can be the ultimate design to any outfit.

Our personal origin, versatility and designs sets SSB apart as we use Bahamian artefacts (ie. shells) in our work. Along with being able to being a one stop spot for all your beaded needs as we also encourage custom orders for individuality. We also create designs that can recreated however our styles, names and designs are our own, concocted and constructed by 1 person.

In relaunching and relocating it is most exciting to see how far I can go and make it with my business, a new demographic, new region and new inspirations to all influence the growth and design of Sun, Sand & Beads.

Today we are located in Georgia, which to get here we had to restock, relaunch and most importantly evolve. In coming to a new place I’ve had to find out about the economy, demographic, marketing strategies and everything specific to the place that I am at now. Having to adapt each step of the way, in turn evolving in the process of success.

In this journey I have learnt to stand strong even when feeling feeble, keep pushing even if you believe there’s a boulder in your way and eventually a no will become a yes and it may be the most beneficial, table turning, important yes of your predicament.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Based on my current location in Savannah and love for nature and the outdoors, to have a friend visit leans towards day activities, seafood and rum

Eats:
Flying Monk Noodle Bar – Has a nice variety of Asian cuisines
Crab Du Jour Cajun Seafood Restaurant – Great seafood boils, lovely atmosphere with good drinks and Karaoke
Nara Revolving Sushi Bar – Futuristic dining experience with the robots, staff and revolving sushi conveyor belt
District Seafood & Smokehouse – Fresh and quality ingredients for a fancy, fulfilling eats

Drinks:
The Portal Arcade, Cafe and Bar – Get drunk and play the right type of games all in one place
The Grove Savannah – Several floors, with different music themes for variety in your night
Electric Moon Skytop Lounge + Moondeck – Lovely river view and cool looking lounge both indoor and outdoor

Visit:
Festivals & Events – Downtown Savannah tends to have many events (could be a daily basis) surrounding numerous topics of interest to find in common and check out
Farmers Market – fresh produce and creations weekly to browse and indulge in
Museums – Various historical and art museums around downtown for a good art hop

Hang:
Walk along River Street – scenic and artistic views and experiences while walking alongside the river
Various Downtown Parks & Squares – Spacious Forsyth Park almost always bustling with activity to get involved in and observe
Hike – Agree on a trail to take and have a picnic or daytime, sip and paint or another personal activity

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is definitely my mother to be given both thanks and praises in the success I would’ve achieved with the business and of course in general thus far. She started me off by funding my first stock, encouraged me through the hardships of persevering when starting out, supported me at my pop ups, serves in marketing and is overall a great mentor to receive tips and advice from. There are also various persons that would’ve aided in other aspects throughout the years since being established, relaunching and relocating that I’m forever thankful for, most notable to mention the person I refer to as my “Other Half”, Jessica who has never let blood, location nor predicament get in the way of her unwavering support of me

Website: https://sunsandbeads.myshopify.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sun.sand.beads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sun.sand.beads/

Other: sun.sand.beads@hotmail.com