About us


 Beads by Xquisite was founded by Mariama Kebbeh, whose journey with waist beads began at the age of 12, when she started making them for her father’s shop in the Bronx. Though the shop closed when she was 19, Mariama’s passion for waist beads continued to grow, especially after visiting The Gambia, her parents’ homeland. During her travels, she developed a deep fascination with collecting and crafting waist beads, sparking the creation of Beads by Xquisite.

In 2014, Mariama began selling her handmade waist beads on eBay, and since then, Beads by Xquisite has grown into a brand that combines tradition, artistry, and culture. Each piece is carefully handcrafted by Mariama using a variety of vibrant, high-quality beads. In addition to her own creations, Beads by Xquisite also features waist beads crafted by skilled artisans from Ghana and The Gambia, celebrating African craftsmanship and heritage.

At Beads by Xquisite, we are committed to offering beautiful, unique waist beads that not only enhance personal style but also connect customers to the rich cultural history behind them.