Teri B: Partner in S & T Creations

by Teri
(Jeffersonville, IN, USA)

Collage of Our Work

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

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Teri B: Partner in S & T Creations

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Love Your Collage!
by: Rena

Teri, you and Saundra have created some wonderful things, and I peeked and saw that you're really busy online too!

It's great that you can rely on each other - and that your friendship is the foundation in this creative direction.

Wishing you all the best, and lots of continued success!

I really enjoyed your story. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Rena

Very Inspiring Story
by: Studio618

Thanks for sharing your story. So the surgery was a blessing in disguise?! lol. Gorgeous work on your Etsy shop.

Great personal story!
by: Jamie

Teri, wanted to let you know that I think you wrote a great story, and wish you all the success in the world! You will be a household name before you know it!!!

Jamie
Creations by JAE

Further Information
by: Teri

I just wanted to say that, in my excitement of getting a store page ready for Rena's website, I did forget to mention some very special resources. One of the great teams I found early on in my website development this year was eSMArts team on Etsy. They have been wonderful, not only in terms of support and friendship, but also in terms of helping me learn how to manage a website and store and to work on my online development. So, my deepest apologies to those I slighted, and a very shameless advertisement for the GREAT support from my etsy team, eSMArts!!!!

Congrats on your Jewelry Business
by: Anonymous

I too, have been making jewelry and accessorie items for over 10 years, now, and finally went public this year.
Thanks to Rena's knowledge, I am doing Jewelry Home Parties, and launched on Etsy at BeadBewitched.etsy.com. No sales,yet, but hope someone notices, soon.
I see S & T had a sale at Etsy. Way to go! And hope it starts a following of business.
Your jewelry is very pretty!!

Yay!
by: Janine

Your jewelry is beautiful! You are so lucky to have a friend to share the business with! The best of luck to you both~
Janine
janinedesign.com

A Monsta
by: Helene

Have we created a monsta? Isn't Rena a fabulous resource? Doesn't it feel great when she uses a story of yours? Every wee pat on the back and an 'attagirl' works wonders.

Thanks for your story. I love friendship stories like this.
helene ~ Glass0Beads.etsy.com