We were lucky to catch up with Tati Arceneaux recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tati, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project is actually split between two separate moments.
The first was when I was commissioned to create a single strand of waist beads in memory of a loved one. I was sent a picture of a t-shirt the loved one wore, and I was asked to create something simple to give her sister comfort as she mourned her loss. I’ve had people send me all types of backstories for why they chose me or what led them to get the piece they’re requesting. This one was different. She told me she found me in a jewelry creators group and felt like I was the most genuine person to not only create for her but also to be able to bring her brother-in-law’s memory forward. I felt so…seen. Right when I was unsure about moving forward with my jewelry business, this woman, who doesn’t know me from Adam, chose me to create such a significant piece for someone close to her. I was honored. That single moment stamped it for me. I knew that what I created went beyond just beads on a string. These were memories, sounds, feelings, love stories, breakthroughs, triumphs, and so much more. Something that I certainly can’t get enough of.

The second moment is my first crown I created for a wedding. Since the beginning of AFBJ, before I ever thought about expanding beyond waist beads, a friend of mine always told me that I would be the one who would create her wedding ceremony crown. I was always up for the challenge, even though I was very unsure of where to start and unsure if I could actually do it. A year plus later, the proposal happened and just like she said, she commissioned me to create not one but two crowns. Both to be 100% handmade out of copper and natural crystals. She sent me her inspiration, we talked about what she wanted to feel when wearing the crown, I sketched a few things out, and as nervous as I was, I got right to work. In the course of being commissioned to create the biggest piece of my jewelry-creating career, I was feeling very stagnant in life. A lot had been going on personally and I felt creatively blocked. To be asked to create something so sentimental gave me purpose in a sense. I wanted to prove to myself that I could show up and create something new, something beautiful, something worth talking about. Though I knew it’d be difficult, I couldn’t wait to see if what I drew on paper would translate into real life. Needless to say, it did. I was so proud of myself. I actually made two pieces of art that were put on display on the crown of the bride’s head during one of the most memorable moments of her life. That moment taught me to trust in myself and my ability to create beyond even what I thought I could. I learned that even I could surprise myself with the things that I am capable of. I always appreciated her for seeing what she saw in me and for being so unguarded as she allowed me to bring her vision to life. I am forever grateful for that moment.
How could I not want to keep something like that going?

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

Hey Friends!
I’m Tati, your #LocalWaistbeadDealer, vibe conductor, and owner of Affirmed Body Jewelry By Tati. I created ABJ, not only to curb my need for self-love, mental clarity, and to find a way to deal with the way the world was going at the time, but also to somehow spread my light and newfound knowledge with others. Through positive words and unique pieces that speak directly to one’s innermost needs, I have curated a community of beautiful individuals who have, unbeknownst to them, helped me get through some of the darkest days in my life by allowing me to create freely for them. I have a degree in Fine Arts with interests in Psychology, Sociology, Numerology, and Astrology. With this combination, I am able to create jewelry that incorporates healing through color and number therapy, crystal and mineral healing, and so much more.

My creations range from waist beads, to crystal necklaces and bracelets, ceremonial crowns, beaded festival wear, bralettes, tops, belts, rings, hair accessories, and anything else we can come up with together. If you believe I can do it, so do I.
My current preferred mediums are copper wire, natural hemp, natural stones and crystals, glass beads, and anything I can draw inspiration from. Lately, I’ve been learning more about silversmithing. Watch out for what’s coming. I envision myself getting better and better, bringing a whole new light to ABJ. I am known for my colorful, unique style and the attention to detail I put into all of my work.
What sets Affirmed Body Jewelry By Tati apart from anyone else who does what I do is:

• I truly create with my heart.
• Every creation is one of a kind. No matter if you choose from something I’ve already created, your message will be different, as will the method in which it is created.
• I pay attention to the smallest details and love to incorporate hidden gems for my clients within my creations.
• 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 specific patterns and angel messages.
• Personalized information cards—A breakdown of everything listed above and information about the stones used in your one-of-a-kind piece.
I am most proud of my ability to persevere. From the pandemic to today, I have continued to grow and learn new things about myself and my craft. I am meeting people from different walks of life, and I feel like it’s leading me down a path to success.
Why pick Affirmed Body Jewelry? Affirm: /əˈfərm/

verb

past tense: affirmed; past participle: affirmed

state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly.

It is already written. Once it is said out loud, it is confirmed.
ABJ hopes to help manifest a life worth living fully. With all the twists and turns, bumps and jumps, we are here to help navigate through all these spaces with love.

Affirmed strands are inspired by the individual unafraid to live in their light, as well as nature, colors of life, memories, prayers, and dreams.

It is all light and love over here.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the end result. Seeing what all of my research, editing, time, input, trials, and errors turns into never gets old. I love seeing the reactions of my clients. Every time I create something, a spark is ignited. The light in my eyes gets brighter. I now have something new to look forward to, and honestly, there is no greater feeling. I am still tickled, 4 years and hundreds of creations later. I still get butterflies when I see a new order come in. People are wearing items I made with my two little hands, on their bodies, all over the world. There is no bigger reward. I am thankful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I can’t say if there is one particular mission driving my creative journey. I can say, one of the main missions is to continuously learn and grow beyond my wildest dreams. It may be cliché to say, but I’ll say it anyway. The sky is the limit. I am a perpetual student. Everything I have learned and everything that I will learn will manifest itself accordingly. There is no end goal here. Just flowing, growing, and enjoying the ride.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affirmedbodyjewelrybytatillc/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AffirmedBodyJewelryByTatillc/
• Other: Etsy shop coming soon