In Africa, waist beads are a common type of body jewelry. This fashion accessory dates back to ancient Egypt. where girdles were worn by Egyptian women. They are now present in a variety of cultures in the West, East, South, Central, and even North Africa.

For as long as I can remember I have always worn waistbeads. As I came of age, I had insecurities surrounding my belly size. In my early instances of puberty, my mother intoduced me to waistbeads. They became my personal source of confidence and connection to my roots. Waistbeads vary in meaning based on ones culture. As an Igbo woman, waistbeads, also known as mgbaji, signify fertility, feminity and wealth. Waistbeads reflect the start of a path toward wellness, self-love, or body acceptance for many modern women.

The aim of WaistCard is to allow more members of the African diaspora to tap into their roots and appreciate the beauty within their culture. Waistcard also aims to change womens relationships with their stomachs, reflecting beauty, irrespective of size.