About Us

My Story

                                                                  
Welcome! I'm Kadidiatou, hailing from Guinea. It all started when I was just 7 years old and received my first pair of waist beads. I instantly fell in love, I developed a passion for all types of beaded jewelry. By age 9, I was already dreaming of a future in fashion. At 12, the idea to start my own waist bead business sparked, but unanswered questions —where to find materials and how to sell them. During college, I did my research, asked questions, and started making and selling waist beads whenever I could. One of the things I cherish most about being African is our ability to find beauty in simplicity, especially in accessorizing. Now, at 24, I'm thrilled to officially introduce RANA to the world. With RANA, I aim to share my culture through my eyes and learn about other African cultures along the way. I invite you to join me on this journey as I continue to bring you beautiful and authentic African waist beads, and much more.

The Beads 

                                    
Waist beads, a traditional accessory worn around the waist, hold rich cultural significance. Historically, they adorned women during celebratory dances, where men of high social status would select potential brides based on their movements and bead placement, believed to indicate fertility and strength in child baring. This is just one reason why women wear waist beads in Africa. While waist beads are steeped in tradition, they also serve as a simple yet cherished accessory for women. In many African families, gold and silver accessories are treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations and worn on special occasions like weddings and child-naming ceremonies. Contrary to popular belief, waist beads do not aid in weight loss, but they can serve as a unique way to track changes in body shape over time At RANA, we're passionate about sharing the significance of waist beads across various cultures. Follow us on instagram for insights into their meaning in different tribes, and if you'd like us to feature the significance of waist beads from your tribe, don't hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram.
We'd love to hear from you!

Our Mission

              

At RANA, we're passionate fashion enthusiasts with a mission to contribute positively to the industry. We believe in respectfully representing and learning from all tribes, celebrating the rich diversity of cultures.

Our ultimate goal? To make everyone look and feel beautiful. We strive to redefine accessorizing, ensuring that accessories are not only stylish but also accessible. Quality is non-negotiable—we never compromise on it.

While our focus lies in meticulously designed waist beads, our commitment to uniqueness, durability, and attractiveness extends to all our beaded jewelry. Whether you're a first-time customer or a returning one, when you shop with us, you become part of the RANA tribe.

We value honesty and respect in all our interactions with customers. It's our aim to instill the same sense of pride in wearing our pieces as we feel in creating them.

Join us on our mission to elevate fashion while honoring cultural traditions. Welcome to the RANA family.