Those looking for more optimism, patience, strength, joy, balance or mental clarity in their lives should look no further than NeedBeads.
Psychology senior Diana Rose began selling her handmade bracelets, NeedBeads, on Etsy in July 2015. Each bracelet is named after a particular value and serves as a reminder to the wearer of the qualities they think they need.
Rose began NeedBeads to financially support her 10-day mission trip to Lima, Peru this summer with Justifi, a Jewish social justice organization. Justifi’s social activism program focuses on service work in impoverished countries, leadership training and making a difference within the world.
“Making jewelry has always been my favorite hobby,” Rose said. “So instead of asking for donations, I decided to sell bracelets.”
With NeedBeads, Rose made $1,300 in profit — $300 over her $1,000 goal. Rose came up with the idea for each bracelet containing a singular philosophy after her trip to Greece last summer with LeadAbroad.
Rose said she bought beads while abroad to make a bracelet that would remind her of how big the world is, which can now be found in her shop as her “See the world” bracelet.
She realized she could use the same premise to make bracelets for other people with a variety of priorities and qualities to choose from. Rose said with naming each bracelet, she considers aesthetic first, then does research on what each gemstone actually represents.
While in Peru, Rose’s philanthropic projects will include service in poverty-stricken areas, reducing the high amount of domestic slavery within the region and hygiene education.
“I’m Jewish, and I see all the time people doing Christian mission trips, and then I found out about this one through other Jewish friends that have been,” Rose said. “I’ve always wanted to do one, and it’s like ‘okay, there’s one made for me.’”
Justifi takes 10-20 participants on each trip. The program promotes Jewish principles, especially living out “Tikkun Olam,” or building a better world.
“The atmosphere that’s created and the way that they go about things is based on Jewish values, so that makes it approachable and cool and very comfortable for me,” she said.
In the fall, Rose will study at the University of Texas for her master’s degree in social work.
Travel is a passion and priority for the Baton Rouge native. Rose travels across the country nearly every other weekend, visiting friends in places like Wisconsin, Missouri, New York and Atlanta.
The entrepreneur also works part-time at Merci Beaucoup, an independent clothing and accessories boutique.
Through NeedBeads, Rose said she has become more business-savvy and conscious of supply and demand. With social media, she’s been able to market and develop her brand.
“I had to adjust my idea of how to make nothing into something successful,” she said.
Friends, family and locals have been Rose’s primary customer base, with the occasional out-of-state orders. Her jewelry is a popular gifting item among her consumers, she said.
“It turned out exactly how I wanted it to,” the business owner said.
The bracelets are $14 each and are currently available in 12 different styles.

Gallery • 11 Photos

Greta Jines

LSU psychology senior Diana Rose is the creator of NeedBeads bracelets. Each bracelet represents a different value or quality that wearers want to be reminded of or think that they need.