Meet Lakisha Clark | Waistbead Practitioner

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

Hi Lakisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m a very creative person. I was going through a hard time caring for my mother with cancer and I wasn’t working. So creating waistbeads was a creative outlet for me. I would post them online and then suddenly was getting dm’s of orders.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Kishwaistbeads, is more than just a place to purchase waist beads—it’s a space where women can reconnect with their bodies, celebrate their femininity, and feel empowered. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating intentional, customized pieces that resonate with each client’s energy, story, and journey. Every strand is handmade with love, care, and purpose.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Seeing how something as simple as waist beads can transform a woman’s confidence or help her mark a meaningful milestone is deeply fulfilling. I’m also excited about the potential for expansion, like incorporating reiki into my offerings to further enhance the spiritual and healing aspects of my brand.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Transitioning from a side hustle to building a full-time business has been challenging, especially balancing appointments-only operations with my personal life. There were moments of doubt and financial hurdles, but I stayed consistent and leaned into my passion. I overcame challenges by staying true to my vision, learning to manage my time effectively, and seeking support from other entrepreneurs.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process. Growth takes time, and success doesn’t happen overnight. I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, especially as a 44-year-old woman navigating being a mother of 3 while running a business.

I want the world to know that Kishwaistbeads is about more than aesthetics—it’s about intention, energy, and empowerment. My brand is a reflection of my own journey, and I hope to inspire others to embrace their own unique paths through the work I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them outdoors. I love going to the Cedar Ridge Preserve and walking down Bishop Art District. I live a quiet life so I would make sure to do something that I can stay engaged in with my bestie. I live art so we would stop at some art events or even try a pottery class or do silk printing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jenn Sincero

You’re a badass

Website: https://www.kishwaistbeads.com

Instagram: Kishwaistbeads

Facebook: Kish Waist Beads