Princeton Woman Helping Others Sparkle – One Bandana at a Time

With the holiday season right around the corner, I couldn't help but share this unique story with you, because a thoughtful original holiday gift is always the best gift to receive.

It started with a simple idea for Melissa Jensen from Princeton. Create a bandana that was a little different, a little bolder, and a lot more blingy. Melissa loves bling. Melissa's bling is special. I asked Melissa if I could share her story with you.

MELISSA'S STORY

One day, while out on a motorcycle ride, everywhere she looked, women were rocking bandanas...and she couldn’t help but think that she could make something like that, but with her own twist.

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'I went to a lot of rides where ladies were selling them,” she recalls. 'Of course, I bought a few, but I also admired them, thinking I could create something special myself.'

So she did.

PASSION PROJECT TURNS INTO 'BLING DIVA BANDANAS'

What began as a fun idea quickly became a passion project. Melissa started designing her own rhinestone-covered bandanas, each one handmade; each one unique. Her friends began asking her to make them one, and before long, Bling Diva Bandanas was born in July 2025.

'I’ve always been a bit of a diva on my motorcycle,' Melissa laughs. 'And I love anything that sparkles, so the name 'Bling Diva Bandanas' just fit perfectly.'

Before she knew it, word spread about her unique blingy bandanas. Melissa was invited to be a vendor at the 'Hooked on Nokomis Fall Ride Festival' in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. It is one of the Midwest’s biggest motorcycle gatherings. Melissa said, “I thought it was a small event, until I learned 45,000 people attend every year. I remember thinking, "What did I just get myself into?!”

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GETTING TO WORK

So Melissa got to work. She rolled up her sleeves, ordered some supplies, and started making her blingy bandanas. 'I started with 32 finished bandanas when I was invited, and by the time I left for Wisconsin, I had 154 ready to go.'

BEHIND THE SCENES- GOTTA LOVE MOM

Behind the scenes, her mom jumped in to help her with all the work that goes into creating these special little pieces of joy. Ironing, prepping, and of course, cheering her on. Every bandana Melissa creates is hand-designed, heat-cured, and sealed with care. No two are ever exactly alike! They are so beautiful.

'I take a lot of pride in my work,' she says. 'I want women to love what they wear and I want them to feel beautiful without breaking the bank.'

LOVE THE MOTTO

Melissa’s motto, 'Leave a little sparkle wherever you go,' has become more than just a saying. It’s now her mission.

Her designs have started traveling across the country, from one biker rally to the next, and her growing social media presence is helping more women discover her one-of-a-kind bandana creations.

Her hobby has now become a new business. She’s now building a website called www.blingdivabandanas.com and expanding to Facebook and TikTok (@blingdiva90).

CUSTOM DESIGNS JUST FOR YOU

'If someone doesn’t see a bandana they like, I’ll design one just for them,' Melissa says. 'I love making something that reflects who they are.' Melissa can customize by adding patches, metal embellishments, or any other elements to make it shine and reflect the personality of the individual proudly wearing it.

HER GROWING BUSINESS

As her business grows, Melissa dreams of adding more blingy tops, hats, and even men’s bandanas. But more than that, she’s proud of what 'Bling Diva Bandanas' has come to represent. Confidence...Creativity and a little bit of sparkle in every woman’s day.

To check out Melissa’s latest creations or request a custom design, you can go to:

• Bling Diva Bandanas on Facebook
• Call 320-406-8135
• Email blingdivabandanas@yahoo.com