Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Hendrix.
Hi Rochelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Waisted Spiritually came to me at the perfect time. I was in a space where I needed to love myself again, and I was searching for purpose. While doing research, I found myself unpacking and learning new things that opened my heart and spirit. During this journey, I discovered waist beads. I was fascinated by the information I was receiving and wanted to learn how to make them for myself.
One intriguing thing I learned was that waist beads are also considered a form of African technology. They have been used to track the growth of infants from birth through infancy. Beads are secured around their waists, wrists, and ankles to help monitor their growth and ensure they are developing properly. I also discovered that waist beads are multifaceted and purposeful. People wear them for body adornment, communication, rites of passage, spirituality, accountability, and so much more.
I created my first strands in 2020, secured them around my waist, set my intentions, and began doing the work. Over time, I started to see and feel a change within myself. I was excited by my progress and wanted to keep that energy flowing and growing. At the time, I had no idea this would become a business, nor was that my intention. My focus was on my healing journey. However, after experiencing what waist beads had done for me, I could not and did not want to keep it to myself. I wanted to share this tool and those feelings with others.
During my personal journey, I received a message that confirmed I had found my calling. At the time, I had reached a point where I felt lost and disconnected from my purpose. Although I had earned the degree I was told would lead to success, life was not unfolding the way I had imagined. I found myself praying, journaling, and asking God, my ancestors, and the universe to guide me toward something that aligned with my spirit something that didn’t feel like work.
One morning, I woke up with a deep sense of clarity and knowing. I can’t recall a specific conversation, but I know one took place spiritually because I felt it. From that moment forward, everything felt different. I knew I had found something bigger than myself.
That experience continues to shape how I serve others today. I often describe myself as a spiritual stylist. Just as a stylist helps prepare someone for a special occasion, I help prepare people for the journeys they are embarking on. Whether they are entering a new chapter, focusing on healing, celebrating a milestone, or reconnecting with themselves, waist beads become a meaningful tool that supports them along the way.
The launch of Waisted Spiritually was a success in my eyes. Having grown up around business owners and entrepreneurs, I had a foundation of knowledge that helped me navigate the process of starting my own business. I received an incredible amount of support both locally and globally, and I am deeply grateful for it. As orders and event opportunities increased, I was able to network, build relationships, and create new opportunities for Waisted Spiritually.
I used to meet clients in parking lots to assist them with tying services. Fast forward to today, and I now offer in-person services at a local wellness shop called Fuel Thy Cells. There, clients can purchase strands Tuesday through Sunday, and on Fridays and Saturdays, they can schedule a one-on-one appointment with me for personalized tying services. At least once a quarter, you can also find me vending at local San Diego events and block parties.
I am always working on new ideas to expand the tools, experiences, and opportunities that Waisted Spiritually provides. What started as a personal healing journey has grown into a purpose-driven business that allows me to connect with, support, and empower others every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been anything but linear. I have experienced my share of ups and downs. Some days are filled with self-doubt and low energy, while other days I am overflowing with creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm. Over time, I have learned that all of it is part of the process and that each season serves a purpose.
Sometimes I forget that, while I am helping others, I am still having my own human experience. I am still learning, growing, and navigating challenges myself. I’ve learned that I can’t always be present for everyone because I am also on my own journey, and that journey deserves the same care and attention I encourage others to give themselves.
I’ve always considered myself a student. I believe that once you master one level, another level appears for you to learn and grow from. Just as writers experience writer’s block, I experience creative blocks. If I don’t feel inspired in my spirit to create or design, I won’t force it.
Social media has been one of the bigger challenges. According to the rulebook, you’re expected to constantly show up in order to be seen, and to be seen in order to be successful. However, I am learning that my definition of success is different and I am okay with this. Some days I can create ten designs, and other days I can only create one or two and I’ve learned to honor both.
Another struggle that I’ve faced is questioning myself. I’ve had thoughts like, “You’re not an expert. What are you doing? Who are you to guide or assist others?” But I’ve learned that the fruit on your tree is not for you alone. We all have something valuable to share.
What keeps me going are the people I serve. I learn from my clients just as much as they learn from me. On the days when motivation feels distant, I reflect on the connections I’ve made, the smiles I see when someone puts on their waist beads, and the stories clients share when they return having accomplished goals they once set for themselves. Those moments are affirming, and they remind me exactly why I started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create wearable art that honors the body and waist as a canvas and journal. Every strand becomes a brushstroke in a person’s story, carrying memories, intentions, milestones, and hopes that may only be understood by the person wearing it.
My role is not to tell someone’s story, it’s to remind them they have the power to create their own.
Waist beads are my artistic medium, but connection is my purpose. For some, that connection is rooted in spirituality, healing, culture, accountability, or personal transformation. For others, it’s simply the joy of adorning the body, celebrating beauty, and expressing themselves through wearable art. Every reason is valid, because every journey is unique.
One of my favorite parts is that every client becomes part of the creative process because no two stories are the same. My work blends art, culture, and self-expression into something people don’t just wear, they experience.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
There are several resources and practices that help me do my best in both life and business. One of the most impactful has been my conversations with God and my faith. I also enjoy motivational and educational content, self-development activities, and self-help books. I am currently reading Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain.
I find a lot of inspiration in people and stories. I enjoy watching videos about philanthropy, personal growth, and people pursuing their dreams. Whether someone is helping others or working toward a goal of their own, I always find something to learn from their journey. Those stories remind me to stay grateful, compassionate, and kind.
Another important resource is the community I surround myself with. Having like-minded individuals and a strong support system that holds me accountable, challenges me, and motivates me has been invaluable to both my personal and professional growth.
I also believe that what we put into our bodies affects how we show up in the world. Diet and nutrition play a significant role in our mental and physical well-being. This is something I often discuss with my clients. I like to say that your stomach is your second brain. Waist beads can serve as a mindfulness tool by helping people become more aware of how their bodies respond to certain foods, stress, and lifestyle habits. They encourage intentionality and a deeper connection with oneself.
All of these resources; books, community, inspiration, self-development, and wellness practices, help me become a better person, which in turn allows me to show up more fully in my business and for the people I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.waistedspiritually.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waistedspiritually?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waistedspiritually11?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@waistedspiritually4378?si=qgRxFh1DV1tAF5jy
