My name is Dorah Lamarre, I’m 30 years old. I’m a banker during the day & run a soul business the rest of the time. I was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and still live there today with my family. I provide waist beads to women as a tool for self acceptance and empowerment through my business Awabeads.
I didn’t have an epiphany that kicked off my decolonization journey. My relationship with my body has always been either non-existent or very critical. One day, I simply got tired of being so hard on myself, of always finding the faults and started to look for ways to feel better in my skin. I wanted to finally make peace with and honor my body.
If I could reiterate one truth to my younger self it would be-
“You are ENOUGH as you are.”
AWABEADS is a line of handmade jewelry specializing in waistbeads created in 2015. While on my personal self-love journey, I started wearing waistbeads as a tool for self acceptance & body positivity. It boosted my confidence as I was building a relationship and connecting with my body for the first time in my life. I felt powerful and empowered and so I wanted to share that feeling with other women.
Waistbeads are a century old form of adornment from Africa. They are used as jewelry, lingerie, in rites of passage ceremonies like weddings, etc. To me, waistbeads are a tool for boosting your confidence, manifesting your femininity, and accepting your body to realize it is perfect as it is.
The Divine feminine is to me, both darkness and light in us. Embracing it is what allows us to stand in our power and be unapologetically authentic.
In the Haitian community we need to decolonize this idea that being fat or thin defines us. Being fat or thin doesn’t define our overall health or finances. In some circles, the thinner you are the more attractive you’re perceived as because that’s the standard of beauty you’re presented with. It is deeply associated with western cultural influence. In other circles (in my opinion, the majority) the “fattest" is the most attractive. Both beliefs are harmful. They lead to harassment, shame and/or bullying.
Those beliefs stem from narratives we’ve been taught growing up. It’s simply part of our culture to comment on peoples bodies. To break free from this, we need to realize how harmful this behavior is and be willing to do the work to change. It’s an everyday process of being mindful, accountable, and compassionate.
The future I see for women and their relationship with their bodies looks like a movement. Stepping into our power as women and divine beings. Accepting diversity. Empowering and supporting each other through sisterhood. Unconditionally loving yourself in each and every stage you are in.
DC Series Quick Dive:
What does “decolonization” mean to you personally?
To me, decolonization is about unlearning harmful narratives we’ve been taught. It is relearning healthier ones and always being open to change after being presented with the truth.
What are you most proud of when thinking about being Haitian and Haitian culture?
I’m proud of our land and the fact that there is always a helping hand in times of need in our communities.
If you were speaking to a group of elementary school students in Haiti about body image and self love- what would you most want to share with them?
Whatever someone thinks of the way you look is none of your business. Your body has done far more for you than anyone else. Everything you need is already in you, look within for the truth. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and whom you can learn from.
ABOUT AWABEADS:
“Handmade waistbeads to boost your confidence + manifest your femininity.”
Follow along + shop @AWABEADS