Daily Inspiration: Meet Tati Arceneaux

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tati Arceneaux

Hi Tati , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a creative for as far as I could remember. When I was younger, my mom and I would make jewelry and do all types of arts and crafts. By the time 2020 hit, I was well into my adult years, working, attending school for Fine Arts, and flowing through life as I saw fit. Then, the Covid pandemic hit. I, like many other Americans, thought it’d be over in just a few weeks. My life would continue and I would be able to get back to my flow. I needed to do something to help pass the time. I thought back to when I’d create with my mom and I wanted to feel that childlike joy again. It was a no brainer, really. I’d make some jewelry, post it on social media to see if people like it, and I’ll take it from there. To be honest, I don’t know where the idea of waistbeads came from. I had seen them before but didn’t know much about them. With this new found time on my hands, I researched, researched, and researched some more. “This is what I want to create” I thought to myself. I wanted to make people feel good about themselves. It was important for me to instill positivity and confidence in every person I created for. I wanted to make them feel special. Even if it was just a quick sweet note or specific details. I started with using color and number psychology to relay messages of healing in an exciting way. This then turned to learning more about the healing properties of natural stones and led me down a path of discovery for myself and many others. After posting a few creations on Facebook, I knew I was on to something because of the positive feedback I received. Fast forward to four years later, I have not stopped and have expanded far beyond only making waistbeads. With over 300 custom orders shipped all over the United States, I have now created a community of men, women, and children who are adorned with my custom creations, have my hand written notes, individuals who have learned and grown with me, and people who trust me. The thought of my fascinating garden warms my heart every day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road? How boring would that be? I feel like a forever student. If I’m not learning or trying something new, then what is the point? From the start I had no idea what I was doing. Everything came from trial and error, feedback from others, support from my friends and family, and belief in myself. As much as I loved creating, I had no idea how I was going to get people to know how good I was and, make them want to buy my creations. Being an introvert really didn’t help. I would literally prefer to clean the floor with my toothbrush than put myself out there for people to give their opinions on something I felt so personally connected to. After much self talk and feeling like this wasn’t something I could keep to myself, I learned how to make interesting posts, funny and engaging videos, and I even found myself featuring my work at pop up shops around the city. To this very day, I am still learning new methods, meeting beautiful people, and continuing to grow my ideas. Everything that I has happened along the way has only taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. As cliche as it may sound, my struggles and learning curves have made me stronger and ready for whatever life may throw at me in the future.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
If you ask me, I think I can create anything. I know how to draw, paint, build, decorate, you name it. What I actually do is:
Create handmade one of a kind body jewelry to fit you and your vibe. My creations range from waistbeads, to crystal necklaces and bracelets, ceremony crowns, beaded festival wear, bralettes, tops, belts, rings, hair accessories, and anything else we can come up with together. My current preferred mediums are: copper wire, natural hemp, natural stones and crystals, glass beads, and anything I can draw inspiration from. I am known for my colorful unique style and the attention to detail I put in all of my work. Being able to reach so many different people and hearing their stories about what led them to their healing journey has bought me so much joy. More than anything, I am most proud of the fact I didn’t/don’t allow self doubt to get in my way of what I want to do. What sets Affirmed Body Jewelry By Tati apart from anyone that does what I do is:
•I really create with my heart.
•Every creation is one of one. No matter if you pick from something that I already created, your message will be different and the method in which it is created will be as well.
•Personalized affirmations- because we are individuals. Each message is hand picked to fit the person.
•Color and number therapy- Every ABJ creation holds special messages and prayers through the patterns.
•Personalized information cards- A break down of the everything listed above and information about stones used in your one of a kind piece.
I am very intentional when it comes to putting together orders. I make sure I do the necessary research on what I’m using as I create and the person I am creating for. One thing that is guaranteed and two things for certain, I will never send out any piece that is not fully up to par with my standards and you will for sure feel the love as soon as you open your package.
#Localwaistbeaddealer

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
If there is no risk, there is no reward. The biggest risk for me was putting myself and my work out into the world. At a time where there was already uncertainty about where we were going as a whole, I decided that I had to try. I didn’t want to look back and think, “I should’ve did this and that.” I wanted to actually do. It is my belief that taking risks only increase your chances of getting better and better at whatever you’re trying to accomplish. Everything is not always going to work out in your favor. The joy is taking the risk and figuring out the best path for you.

Pricing:

• Body jewelry (bracelets, waistbeads, necklaces, rings, etc) starting at $15 and up
• Bralettes starting at $150 and up
• Crowns starting at $125 and up
• Beaded tops starting at $185 and up
• Festival wear starting at $175 and up

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affirmedbodyjewelrybytatillc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AffirmedBodyJewelryByTatillc