I started beading when I was 10 years old.

I would gather beads like a crow gathers trinkets, I like the shiny colors, the different shapes, possibilities. I would usually get castoffs from my stepfather’s projects, found items, pieces from gumball machines, and rarely new purchases saved up from precious gift money. We didn’t have very much at all growing up.

I kept it up on and off over the years, doing loom work and learning different beading stitches and jewelry making, but really picked it back up as a regular hobby during the start of the pandemic. I had some fantastic cheerleaders, the friendly staff of 40lbs Coffee Bar in the One Main Place building that encouraged me to keep creating, and to start selling my stuff. Thanks Lily, Harper, Danny, Alora, and Olivia!