FAQ'S
WAISTBEADS:
Q: What is the meaning, purpose, history, and/ or significance of waist beads?
A: Briefly the art of adorning oneself with waist beads is an age old African tradition dating back to the 15th century. Some believe that the practice started in Ancient Egypt others believe it started in West Africa. Different regions in Africa wear waist beads for various reasons during different stages in ones life. The reasons range from femininity, sensuality, fertility, weight management/ body shaping, status symbol, healing, protection, rights of passage, intimacy/ seduction, etc.
Q: Why do women wear waist beads today?
A: In today's modern times women wear waist beads for a lot of the traditional reasons stated above especially femininity, healing, protection, weight management, and sensuality. Some women wear them solely for decorative adornment purposes. Others wear them because they are a confidence booster, they love the way they look and how wearing waist beads makes them feel. Traditionally waist beads were worn under clothing hidden from site only for a woman's husband to see. Now some women choose to show them on the bare stomach, and others wear them over clothing.
Q: Do the crystal beads/ gemstones have meanings?
A: Yes. See crystal directory.
Q: How do waist beads help with weight lost/ management?
A: Waist beads are an excellent tool to monitor your weight/ size. If your waist beads begin to get tighter, roll up, or even pop you know that you are getting bigger. As you waist beads begin to fall lower and lower you know that you are loosing weight. This is why a lot of women really like waist beads as a simple tool to use during their weight lost journey, or just as a size monitor.
Q: How long is the processing and shipping time?
A: Due to the handmade and intricate nature of the product the processing times are as follows.
Processing time:
7-14 business days (traditional & ready made)
7-21 business days (made to order)
Up to 28 business days (custom orders)
Shipping time (USPS Priority Mail):
USA - 1-3 business days
Please see shipping/ return policy
Q: How do I measure myself for waist beads?
A: Use a tape measure to measure the spot in inches you would like your waist beads to lay between your waist and high hip.
Q: Can I wear waist beads while pregnant/ how do I measure while pregnant ?
A: Yes. When measuring for waist beads while pregnant you can either measure below your baby bump, across your navel, or slightly above the navel. It is a personal preference, if you measure your across your baby bump (navel) or above as your belly grows your waist beads will slide up higher little by little.
Q: Can babies, toddlers, and young girls wear waist beads?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I bathe in my waist beads?
A: Yes you can bathe in the traditional African waist beads, as well as the majority of the made to order styles. See care instructions
HANDMADE SKIN CARE:
Q: Shipping Policy
A: Products are made and packaged by hand. All orders require 7 -14 Business days (Monday - Friday) processing before shipping. Orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail.
Q: How much is shipping?
A: Shipping rates depend on your order total.
$0 - $80.00 = $7.75 shipping
$80.01 - $179.99 = $13.50 shipping
$180.00 and up = $25.00 shipping
Canada shipping is a flat rate of $25 regardless of total.
Q: Do you use color dye or glitter in your soap?
A: We use a coloring powder called Mica. Mica is a naturally occurring skin safe mineral. Mica powder is sparkly and may resemble glitter but it’s not. Mica is safe for all skin types and does not dye your skin in any way.
Q: When will my package ship?
A: Our shipping policy is 7-14 Business Days. I understand that the shipping can be a little long. During this time frame we are making, packaging and shipping your product. We love to make our products fresh for 100% potency. We can’t give an exact date on when your order will ship, but it will ship within that time frame.
Q: Do you accept pre-orders?
A: Follow us on IG: @UNIVERSALZEN for pre-order updates.
Q: What products are suitable for use on babies?
A: For newborns and all ages, we recommend the “UHUH HONEY”, for ages 1+.
Q: Why do colors and designs vary?
A: All products are handmade with love. Because we love what we do, we allow our creative energy to take control. Thus, creating beautiful, colorful and amazing soap. We understand that at times you may wish to have a specific color. Due to our large customer base, that is something we cannot accommodate at this time. Allowing personal request would increase order processing time. Regardless of the color or design, the healing properties are the same.
Q: I recently purchased a soap and my skin is breaking out.
A: If you are experiencing any type of breakout or skin reaction, please discontinue use immediately. Although our products are made with natural and organic ingredients, it’s still possible that you may be allergic to or your skin is too sensitive to an ingredient.
Q: What ingredients do you use to make soap?
A: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Safflower Oil, Glycerin (kosher, of vegetable origin), Aqua/Water, Sodium Hydroxide (saponifying agent), Sorbitol (moisturizer), Propylene Glycol (of vegetable origin), Sorbitan oleate (emulsifier), Oat Protein (conditioner) plus any essential oils and body butters listed under each soap.