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

Hi Shada, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew I wanted to start my own business with a product that would empower women and promote body positivity. There are so many women that frown upon their bodies without realizing how crucial it is to love your whole self. So I decided to start making waistbeads. I already knew that waistbeads were a great way to track weight loss and/or weight gain, but they are also a great gift to your body, showing how much you love it. We put jewelry on our hands, ears, face, wrists, ankles, and neck. Why not put jewelry on our waist to show how beautiful that part of our body is as well?

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I have learned that patience is key to success. Patience but also being on top of things are important. Having faith in yourself and confidence in your product were lessons I had to learn. There are lots of people making products like yours, but nobody makes them like you. Your product/brand is different, and that is what sets you apart. These lessons I had to realize helped so much and still do to this day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love being one with nature, so I am always trying to take my friends on hikes and nature walks. I love the East Palisades Trail. There is a beautiful bamboo forest, great views, and the beautiful Chattahoochee River runs alongside the trail. After that I would most likely goto Pokeworks for a refreshing salad. To satisfy our sweet tooth (because my best friends and I always have one), I would go to Playa bowl. They have the best smoothie bowls.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to shoutout my very best friends and my family. You have given me so many words of wisdom and encouragement. On days where I felt like giving up, you showed me why I shouldn’t. Drive and dedication has always been something my parents instilled in me and I thank them so much for that.

Website: SecretlyWaisted.com

Instagram: Secretly.Waisted

Facebook: Facebook.com/SecretlyWaisted

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