Profile of a Start Up Bead Jewelry Business
I doubt there’s a single bead jewelry artist who hasn’t thought of opening her own bead store at one time or another. There’s something magical about the idea of turning a hobby you enjoy into a business you can grow. I always find it fascinating and inspiring to read about people who have turned their dreams into reality.
The online Country Gazette is featuring a story about Crystal Beads of Boston which gives some insight into the store and what sort of work and considerings are involved. Marty Khudairi started selling jewelry just six years ago, but now has a large store and a thriving business doing what she loves!
She started making and wearing her jewelry around town and was quickly selling pieces. In just a few months she had placed her jewelry in several local shops and everything started growing from that point. The short news story gives some practical advice about opening a jewelry store including always adding inventory and always trying to find new ways to market your pieces. I’ve never been to her store, but I’d love to visit just to see… get this… a “man room” in her store with a leather couch and big screen TV to occupy the husbands while we shop for beads!
It’s that sort of creative thinking that will surely keep her store growing!
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Here are some other jewelry making articles you may like: JewelrySupply.com Website Redesign Holiday Gifts for Bead Jewelry Artists Making Bead Jewelry for Haiti Earthquake Relief Making Bead Jewelry For Older People www.Beadboard.net has moved to www.BeadJewelryBlog.com |
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[...] Profile of a Start Up Bead Jewelry Business I doubt there’s a single bead jewelry artist who hasn’t thought of opening her own bead store at one time or another. There’s something magical about the idea of turning a hobby you enjoy into a business you can grow. I always find it fascinating and inspiring to read about people who have […] [...]
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[...] Profile of a Start Up Bead Jewelry Business I doubt there’s a single bead jewelry artist who hasn’t thought of opening her own bead store at one time or another. There’s something magical about the idea of turning a hobby you enjoy into a business you can grow. I always find it fascinating and inspiring to read about people who have […] [...]
Comment by Michelle
Congratulations on your success!
Comment by janice
Marty Khudairi doesnt ownt Crystal Beads of Bostn. She works there. Sorry, I really didnt find her jewelry beautiful at all,( I think it’s pretty, pretty bad and garish…sorry) and it isnt made all that well. Just keep trying and take classes. A class in color concepts and design balance would be very helpful…and fun to learn also !!!
I’ve known the owners of Crystal Beads of boston for a few years ( Lynn and Joe Benway) I hope Marty is nicer than they are.
Comment by The Potomac Bead Company
Owning a bead store can be a very profitable, very challenging, yet very exciting enterprise. Unfortunately, many individuals try to open stores with insufficient research, experience, suppliers, or funds. Franchising can solve many of these problems, by providing the experience, marketing, suppliers, and other assitance needed to get off the ground. For those interested in franchising with one of the fastest growing companies worldwide, visit http://www.potomacbeads.com/franchise.aspx or email franchise@potomacbeads.com
Comment by Cate
I need help starting my own bead shop! There are no shops around and I love beads! I don’t know how to get a grant to start my own business. I think that a grant is the only chance I’ll have to get started unless I win the Lotto! How do I get started?
Comment by Bead Rock - Ajax, ON, Canada
Hi Cate,
I’m not sure where you live, but I live in Canada and the bank here are not quick to give out money for a start up business. What I did instead was to get an on-line credit on my property and put it towards my store/studio. It also helps to get a supportive wholesaler/supplier, who will take payments on a monthly basis. You can always approach the wholesaler/supplier about this.
Findings go quickly as do the resins, pearls and glass. The gemstones sales are sparatic, esp. during these economic times.
Birthday parties, workshops are your backbone. So be prepared to have classes. I teach for the city, teens and adults as well as run my own store/studio.
The first year is nothing but work, but you will enjoy it as the time goes by so quickly. Don’t be shy, ask everyone for help, esp. pricing and bagging. Seniors are wonderful and love to volunteer their time. It is as rewarding for them as it is for you. Seniors who are crafters ususally have more
patients for children too. A total win – win situation. The seniors I have volunteering for me are just amazing!!
Beth Bianchi
Bead Rock
Comment by MCW Beads & More
I read your story on starting a bead shop and read the comments above. I agree that research and doing your homework before opening any business will keep some of the headache and heartache from overwhelming you. I sympathize with Cate for not having a bead shop close. However, the Internet business such as mine offers lots of beads and beading supplies at reasonable prices. We ship within 1-2 days of receiving the order and our customers receive their purchases within 3-5 days. We offer a money back guarantee within 30 days of purchase if you are not satisfied. We offer several coupon deals including FREE SHIPPING. I am sure other online bead shops offer similar deals.