We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Baiyinah Brookins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Baiyinah below.

Alright, Baiyinah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Mystics and Sages began as a gift. My father returned from a trip to West Africa and gifted me a small crescent-shaped sterling silver necklace encircled with glass beads. That single piece of jewelry sparked my curiosity and led me on a journey of discovery. I immersed myself in learning about the Tuareg people—their history, culture, and the rich tradition of silversmithing that they’ve upheld for multiple generations.

Tuareg artisans are widely recognized as the original silversmiths of the African continent, primarily residing in the Sahel region, including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Libya. Their craftsmanship is deeply intertwined with their distinctive culture. What initially captivated me, though, was the mythology, folklore, geometric motifs, and archaic symbolism embedded in their jewelry. Each piece tells a story, and the artistry reflects a legacy that stretches across generations.

This deep connection to culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling inspired me to build a brand that would celebrate and share this heritage with the world. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it spoke to a growing desire among customers for meaningful, artisanal pieces—jewelry that not only stands out but also carries a story.

The jewelry industry is undeniably saturated, but Mystics and Sages offers something distinct: a spotlight on Tuareg made jewelry who are the custodians of a centuries-old tradition. Many of the artisans we collaborate with come from families that have been crafting jewelry for over 70 generations, passing down intricate techniques and knowledge systems. This heritage gives our pieces an authenticity and depth that is unmatched in mass-produced jewelry.

The core of our why and what excites me the most is the opportunity to preserve and celebrate this element of global craft heritage. By supporting this aspect of Tuareg craft heritage, we ensure their traditions remain vibrant while offering customers an avenue to connect with a legacy of artistry and culture. We are more than a jewelry brand — Mystics and Sages serves as a bridge between past and present, craftsmanship and culture, and artisan and wearer.

Baiyinah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Baiyinah (pronounced Bay-ee-nah), and I’m the founder of Mystics and Sages. I’m a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a second-generation Black-female entrepreneur. My background is in Business Management, and I’ve always been drawn to endeavors that combine creativity and culture.

We collaborate with a collective of skilled artisans, many of whom represent multiple generations of silversmithing tradition. By sourcing directly from these artisans, we ensure the highest quality while helping to sustain their time-honored practices. Mystics and Sages fills a gap in the market for unique, artisanal jewelry that tells a story. Our pieces help customers stand out while contributing to the preservation of global craft heritage.

What sets us apart in the industry is our authenticity and cultural connection, which provide a fresh perspective on jewelry. I’m proud that Mystics and Sages has become a platform to amplify the work of our artisans—artists who might otherwise remain unseen in a globalized world. I’m equally proud of how our products resonate with customers who value individuality and cultural heritage.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success always comes from following a traditional, linear path. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I fell into the trap of comparison. Because Mystics and Sages doesn’t look like other jewelry brands in the industry, I initially felt there was no place for us. We craft jewelry that highlights the legacy and tradition of artisanal craftsmanship. As someone deeply drawn to creativity, art, and history, this approach felt authentic, and I had a clear vision of how I wanted to conceptualize the brand. However, there were few others in the industry doing the same, and I sometimes fell victim to unsolicited advice about the business direction. This often left me frustrated, as I instinctively knew Mystics and Sages offered a unique perspective the industry needed.

The pivotal moment came when I met the artisans I now collaborate with. As they shared their creative journeys and the stories behind their work, I realized that our business model wasn’t just different—it was a fresh and necessary take on artisanal jewelry that could truly stand out. Initially, I hesitated, partly because I’m launching this business later in my career, and my timeline has been far from conventional. However, once I overcame that hesitation and decided to move forward, the feedback I received proved invaluable. It affirmed that I’m on the right path. By letting go of rigid expectations about what a jewelry business “should” look like, I’ve been able to focus on showing up authentically, which allows us to stand out. Following a non-traditional path to entrepreneurship has not only shaped the way I approach the brand but also brings a fresh and unique perspective to the artisanal jewelry industry.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The book Tuareg Jewelry: Traditional Patterns and Symbols by Helene E. Hagan and Lucile C. Myers has been instrumental in deepening my understanding of the history of Tuareg jewelry. It has significantly influenced how I present the brand, and many of the historical, craft, and jewelry elements I highlight stem from the comprehensive research conducted by these two bilingual anthropologists—one of whom has Berber (Amazigh) ancestry. Their work has been distilled into an accessible and engaging text, making it an invaluable resource for understanding this rich tradition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mysticsandsages.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticsandsages/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557191363578
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baiyinahbrookins/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysticsandsages