Sulena Dyson-Mascot

Owner of Keys to the Culture in Canton, Michigan

In 2017, Sulena Dyson-Mascot turned her passion for African ancestral traditions into a creative business. Seven years after Keys to the Culture launched, a $26,225 DreamSpring loan helped Sulena expand her waist bead and spiritual wellness studio, where every piece is a labor of love and intention.  

Keys to the Culture’s gorgeous waist beads, anklets, and bracelets are deeply rooted in African heritage and the spiritual and physical power that women embody. "Wearing traditional, tied-on waist beads is a direct connection back to your ancestors and their ancient rituals,” Sulena explains. Each strand, crafted by hand using high-quality beads, crystals, and stones, embodies mindful energy and serves as a tool for focus and self-awareness. 

In addition to waist beads, Sulena’s online store sells a collection of merchandise, including apparel and coffee mugs adorned with sacred symbols and affirmations. Sulena also offers one-on-one virtual tying sessions, so that she can guide her clients to confidently affix their permanent jewelry, no matter where they are. 

Keys to the Culture is a small business that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of intentional living. With access to capital and business resources from DreamSpring, Sulena is helping even more women honor their unique spiritual path, one beautiful bead strand at a time.