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

Hi DeAngela, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I took a break from my career to focus a year on starting my business

I’m still successful as of 2025

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Dee Pippen, founder of Waistbead Muva and the creative force behind DownHer LLC. My journey into the world of jewelry and fashion began with a simple passion for self-expression and empowerment—particularly for women who want to feel confident, celebrated, and unapologetically themselves. What started as a personal hobby quickly evolved into a thriving business that allows me to bring beauty, intention, and individuality into people’s lives.

At Waistbead Muva, we specialize in custom jewelry and waistbeads that are not just accessories—they’re statements. Every piece is designed with purpose, from celebrating milestones to enhancing self-love, body confidence, and personal style. Our clients come to us seeking more than just jewelry; they want pieces that resonate with their identity, mark life’s moments, and remind them of their worth. I take pride in creating custom designs that reflect each client’s personality, energy, and story.

What sets me apart is my dedication to personalization, quality, and meaningful connection. I don’t just sell products; I create experiences. From custom orders to private styling parties, every interaction is tailored to empower, inspire, and celebrate the people I work with.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built—people who value themselves enough to invest in beauty, confidence, and joy. Whether it’s through a delicate waistbead, a sparkling piece of jewelry, or a special event, my goal is always to uplift and honor the individuality of each client.

For anyone discovering my work, I want you to know this: you deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and confident in your own skin. That’s the heart of my brand, the driving force behind every piece I create, and the reason I love what I do.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A few years ago, I had a vision to bring my creative ideas to life and build a business that truly represented me—but I faced roadblocks at every turn. One particularly tough moment was when I tried to host a major event in my own city. I poured time, energy, and money into planning, only to be met with resistance, lack of support, and doors closing in my face. It would have been easy to give up, to think maybe this path wasn’t meant for me.

But I didn’t. Instead, I pivoted. I looked for opportunities elsewhere, trusted my vision, and kept moving forward. Eventually, I found a community in a neighboring city that welcomed me and my ideas with open arms. The event I thought would fail became one of my most successful and celebrated projects, proving that determination, adaptability, and faith in yourself can turn setbacks into triumphs.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t about never facing obstacles—it’s about refusing to let them define you. It’s about showing up, recalibrating, and finding the path that aligns with your purpose. Today, that mindset fuels everything I do with Waistbead Muva and DownHer LLC, and it’s a message I hope inspires everyone I work with: when you keep pushing, keep creating, and keep believing, success finds a way.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation in the market was built on three key pillars: quality, authenticity, and connection.

First, the quality of my work—from custom waistbeads to unique jewelry pieces—is consistently high. People know that when they come to me, they’re getting craftsmanship that’s thoughtful, detailed, and made with care.

Second, my authenticity sets me apart. I don’t just create products; I create experiences and stories. Every piece has meaning, whether it’s celebrating a milestone, honoring self-love, or empowering someone to feel confident in their own skin. Clients sense that my work is genuine and made with heart, not just for profit.

Finally, it’s the relationships I build with my clients and community. I take the time to understand their needs, visions, and personalities, so every interaction feels personal and intentional. People return because they feel seen, celebrated, and valued—not just as customers, but as part of the Waistbead Muva family.

Together, these elements created a reputation of trust, creativity, and empowerment—qualities that keep my clients coming back and referring others. In short, my reputation wasn’t built overnight; it was built by showing up consistently, delivering excellence, and never compromising on the value I provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Waistbeadedjewelry.myshopify.com
• Instagram: Waistbead_muva
• Facebook: Deebiggeneral

Image Credits

photographer Jay Beats
Photographer Breezy Vizuals LLC.
D.Rich Photography