Meet OMOLARA ABOSEDE | Waistbead Maker

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

Hi OMOLARA, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process on creating my brand was to advocate for mental awareness and showcase the benefits of wearing waistbeads. I wanted my business to incorporate spirituality along with cross-cultural storytelling for each waistbead I make. Atunbi Waistbeads was conceived as a response to the pandemic and the mental, emotional, and spiritual trauma women. I recognized the collective need for healing energy. 2020 was the right time to introduce Atunbi Waistbeads.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Atunbi translates to rebirth and represents the transformation of self. A brand whose purpose is to transmute intention into product experiences. What sets me apart from others is the intention I put behind my products. Each piece of mine has a story and I make sure to incorporate them into my brand. I got to where I am today by consistency and resiliency. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today, there was a lot of rebranding and changing overtime. I overcame my challenges by being open to accepting criticism from others. I also invested alot of time on how to make my business better. Each day there is a way to improve on my business and I make sure I learn from past mistakes.

What I want people to know about Atunbi Waistbeads is that it is an Ancient African tradition of wearing beads around a woman’s waist. Waistbeads are intended to be spiritual tools for women undertaking transformative, healing journeys. They help the individual channel energy, through the placement at the womb space – the center for creativity – and the healing crystals I incorporate.

I believe in order to make a better world, women have to rediscover the power within themselves. From a person who works with the past for a better future and a first-generation Nigerian, I intend to create pieces that anchor women to themselves, beauty and desires.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First I would take them to dining places close to the city. Also visit a museum and go take a tour around the city as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my father. My father is an artist who has introduced me to many paintings, art galleries, and shows when I was younger. Growing up, he definitely shaped my perspective on culture and art. Alot of my waistbead inspiration is inspired by many things from my childhood in which my father played a big role.

Website: www.atunbiwaistbeads.com

Instagram: atunbi.beads

Facebook: atunbi waistbeads