Teri B: Partner in S & T Creations

by Teri
(Jeffersonville, IN, USA)

My best friend and I attended a beading party, where you picked out beads and they made a bracelet or earrings for you--it was fun, but rather expensive. Not something you could continue to do to have unique designs!

So, my friend Saundra bought a simple beginner set of tools and a couple of magazines and started to "play."

She didn't say anything to me at first, but I had surgery and while I was recovering, she invited me over and gave me an early birthday present: my own beginner set of tools and some basic beads and findings. We started at her kitchen table.

Well, for two years, we made jewelry for ourselves, took classes, read, followed tutorials, and subscribed to magazines.

We also checked out the few bead stores in our area, made some trips to those further away, and quickly discovered that online shopping was a dear friend in terms of price and selection for some of our more "unusual" beads and if we wanted things in bulk!

Then, people began noticing what we made and commenting on it. Saundra even literally sold a piece of jewelry right off her neck to a waitress during lunch one day!

We simply had to start a business. More research! But it was good, and opened more possibilities.

This year, 2008, we took the plunge and created a website and Etsy store. Yes, we are still looking for shops to work with, but our area is small.

We have home parties, and go to crafts and art fairs, plus some fashion shows and other events. We love our work and are still learning and growing our business.

It's a long process, with ups and downs, but I think working online has actually helped me gain more confidence and resolve.

Teri B.
S & T Creations
S & T Etsy Shop