The aliyah story of Shirelle Weingarten, a scrunchie connoisseur

Shirelle Weingarten’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a constant drive to make a difference.

But for Weingarten, this journey has been far from linear – it’s been a series of bold decisions, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to finding her place in Israel.

“I think Israel feels like home now,” Weingarten says with conviction. “It’s where I’m supposed to be. This country has shaped me, and I’ve shaped my life here.”

Weingarten spent most of her childhood in Brooklyn before her family moved to Belle Harbor, Queens, when she was 13. Belle Harbor, with its coastal charm, became a place that would inspire her love for the ocean.

“Living just a five-minute walk from the beach was incredible,” she recalls. “The sound of waves, the feeling of sand beneath my feet… the beach has always been my sanctuary.”

Her connection to the ocean would later play a significant role in both her personal and entrepreneurial life. But the journey toward Israel and Tides Accessories began during her gap year in Jerusalem, a year that sparked a deeper connection to the country and to her future.

“When I arrived in Israel in 2011, I was immediately drawn in,” she says. “It felt like something clicked. I knew I needed to stay longer. I wanted to be part of the culture, not just a visitor.”

In 2013, she came to Israel on a seminary program in Jerusalem. It wasn’t long before she realized this was more than just a temporary interlude. “I decided to stay and make aliyah after my gap year,” she recalls. “I felt connected to the people here. I made friendships, my Hebrew improved, and I just knew this is where I was meant to be.”

Her next step was to move to Givat Shmuel, where she began studying at Bar-Ilan University. The move came with challenges. “School was hard. I was studying in Hebrew, and I was still learning the language. I had to fight for everything, like taking exams in English or getting extensions for assignments,” she recounts. “But at the same time, every day was a lesson in growth and perseverance.”

AFTER GRADUATION, Weingarten decided to pursue a career in nursing. Despite people discouraging her, she remained undeterred. “I was really into health and considered becoming a nutritionist, but nursing kept calling to me,” she says. “It felt like a way I could make a tangible difference.”

She started her nursing career at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where she worked in general surgery. It was a demanding role, and like many healthcare professionals, she worked long hours, sometimes up to six shifts a week.

Despite the work’s rewarding nature, Weingarten eventually reached a breaking point. “After four years, I felt like I had accomplished everything I could in the hospital,” she admits. “But I also felt burnt out. The stress of the job, especially during the pandemic, took its toll.”

Taking a step back, Weingarten transitioned to a part-time role at Maccabi Healthcare Services in Tel Aviv, which gave her more time to focus on her side projects and her growing business. “The change allowed more time for other things I’m passionate about. It’s been a good balance,” she says.

During this period, Weingarten began working on her passion project: Tides Accessories. Growing up, she was always active, spending time at the beach and swimming, but she faced a common frustration: her curly hair.

“My hair would get tangled in small hair ties, and it would just be a mess,” she recalls. “I was always insecure about it – frizzy, too poofy, too messy.”

The turning point came during a trip to Bali. “I found this scrunchie that changed my life,” she says. “It was perfect for surfing because it stayed in place, even in the water. I loved it and thought, ‘Why isn’t anyone making these for swimmers or active women?’”

When Weingarten returned to Israel, she couldn’t find anything like the Bali scrunchie. That’s when the idea for Tides Accessories was born. “I bought a sewing machine, took a few sewing lessons, and started experimenting. I wanted to make something that would stay in place during workouts, swimming, or even surfing,” she says. After months of trial and error, she perfected her product, and Tides Accessories was born.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. “People loved the idea, especially those with an active lifestyle or who spend a lot of time at the beach,” Weingarten recounts. “The scrunchies not only hold up in the water, but they’re also gentle on your hair, unlike regular hair ties that can cause breakage.”

Weingarten began selling her scrunchies through Instagram, where she quickly gained a loyal following. “Instagram has been a great platform for me,” she says. “I love how creative I can get with it. It’s like my personal journal, where I can share what I’m doing and connect with customers.”

She also participated in pop-up markets, such as Shuk Olim for new immigrants. “The community has been amazing,” she says. “I get so much support from other olim and local Israelis. It’s inspiring. I’ve had people tell me they’ve seen my scrunchies on Instagram and are excited to buy them. It makes all the hard work worth it.”

Looking ahead, Weingarten has big plans for Tides Accessories. “I hope the business continues to grow,” she says. “I want to expand into other products and accessories for active women. It’s something I’m really passionate about.”

In addition to growing her business, she is excited for what’s next in her life in Israel. “I want to build a life here,” she says. “My vision is to have a family here and raise them in a place that’s full of culture, history, and meaning. I’m excited to see where my nursing career goes as well, and maybe even shift to something more entrepreneurial in the future.”

“I always say, ‘When you take that leap of faith, anything is possible,’” she says with a smile. Whether as a nurse, an entrepreneur, or a future mother, Weingarten is ready for whatever the future holds.

“Israel feels like home now, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.” ■