Jaqwan, affectionately known as Qwani or by her Nigerian name Ekiuwa, is a 36 year old multidisciplinary designer and art director based in Atlanta, Georgia. With roots in both African American and Nigerian culture (specifically the Benin people of Edo state), she brings a unique perspective to her creative work and personal journey. In this interview, she shares her evolving relationship with waist beads—a journey rooted in self-discovery, design, and family legacy.
Early Experiences with Waist Beads
Qwani’s introduction to waist beads came at a pivotal moment in her life, around age 18, as she was beginning to explore her cultural identity in a deeper way. At the time, her ex-husband introduced her to waist beads as a form of weight management.
“My ex-husband introduced me to wearing waist beads as a form of weight management.”
Though the motivation began with body tracking, something about the beads stuck with her. As she wore them, she began to notice a shift—not just in her awareness of her body, but in how she related to it.
“They helped me notice any fluctuations in my body. Wearing them helped me understand my body better.”
While Qwani had always been surrounded by Nigerian culture growing up, it wasn’t until she spent more time around other Nigerian women that she felt encouraged to embrace waist beads for herself.
“I was exposed to Nigerian culture, but when I started being around more Nigerian women, I became more confident in wearing them.”
Connection to Heritage
That connection grew deeper when she traveled to Nigeria for the first time at age 29. Being on the continent and choosing her own beads was a meaningful turning point.
“When I went to Nigeria, it just felt a little bit more mine because I got to pick the beads.”
That moment helped her reclaim and personalize the tradition. For Qwani, the act of choosing the beads is just as important as wearing them.
“I don’t like people picking them for me. I like to pick them because I love them. I love how they look on me.”
She now selects strands with purpose—choosing colors and textures that feel aligned with her personality, mood, and identity. As a brand designer, she brings her creative eye into the process.
"I'm a brand designer, so I like to choose the colors and design of my beads based on my mood and aesthetic."
Motherhood and Tradition
As a mother, Qwani brings that same intentionality to her parenting. She’s already beginning to share the beauty and meaning of waist beads with her daughter.
“My daughter is interested in waist beads already. She’s very feminine, and I think I’ll be intentional about introducing them to her.”
She’s also open with her sons about the cultural significance behind them, helping them understand more about her heritage and traditions.
“I teach my son about them too—what they are, what they represent.”
In doing so, she’s planting seeds of cultural pride and self-awareness within her household.
Family Perspectives
Navigating cultural traditions within a Christian family dynamic has meant creating her own relationship with the beads. When she connected with her father's side of the family, she observed that waist beads weren’t emphasized or even widely accepted.
“My dad’s side is Nigerian, but they’re very Christian, and they don’t really wear them. It’s just not a thing they do.”
But for Qwani, the beads are an expression of both personal taste and practicality—and she's unbothered by the idea that some may assign negative connotations to them.
“I still wear them. It’s a mix of aesthetic and functionality for me.”
Personal Style Preferences
With her eye for design, Qwani is naturally drawn to strands that feel authentic to the tradition. She prefers traditional tie-on waist beads, citing their durability and deeper cultural roots.
“I always gravitate to the traditional tie-ons. That feels more like the original way. That feels like the real thing.”
She also favors slimmer, minimal strands that feel grounded in the origin of the practice.
“I prefer the thinner ones. They’re original to the origin of them.”
Thoughts on Waist Beads Popularity and Cultural Awareness
As waist beads have become more popular in the U.S., Qwani encourages people to wear them with intention and knowledge.
“I don’t think waist beads are for one specific group, but if you’re going to wear them, know why.”
She sees them as an entry point into a much deeper understanding of cultural heritage, body awareness, and intentional adornment.
Through waist beads, Qwani expresses her creative vision, affirms her connection to heritage, and models cultural pride for her children. They’ve become part of her story—not through rigid tradition, but through personal choice and authentic connection.
Want to keep up with Qwani’s journey? Follow her on Instagram at @ekiuwa and dive into her world of design, motherhood, and personal growth.