Friendliness. Confidence. Expertise. Inspiration
through the art of beading.
Q. 1. Thank you Vicki for taking a little time to
provide some interesting insights to our readers
about your successful bead store in Alameda (located in the San Francisco Bay Area.) Please tell
us how you began helping and inspiring others with
their beading projects.
A. I actually began Bead Inspirations in early 2003
as a home-based business.
I taught jewelry making
classes from my home in
Alameda, California. Over
time, I expanded both my
supplies and repertoire of
classes. Word of the fun we
were having and a growing
community of beaders began
to rely on me for supplies as
well as help and support. In
a prior life, I was an engineer and corporate trainer.
I have a diverse background
that includes many different
types of arts and crafts. As I
discovered how much I loved
beading, it seemed only natural for me to want to help
and teach others.
Vicki was not alone in her efforts to build Bead Inspirations. There have been many people who have
contributed their talents and the loving spirit that made
Bead Inspirations what it is. Vicki is grateful to the
SCORE counselors who helped her turn this homebased business into a successful brick and mortar
store. However, she will always tell you that the
‘wind beneath her wings comes from her wonderful
customers that have found inspiration in her classes
and bead parties, and the talented staff who take pleasure in inspiring customers.
integrity in all of our dealings.
Every person is naturally creative. We strive to foster
an environment where people are encouraged, supported, and acknowledged in expressing their natural
creativity.
Every person is immensely capable. We offer classes
and training that give people an opportunity to develop their skills and get enlivened by finding that they
can do more than they knew they could. They leave
classes with an expanded sense of their potential. They
will take joy in learning something new
and saying “I can do this!”.
Each person is valuable because they
are individual and unique. Their personal self-expression is an important
way to express their uniqueness. When
people make jewelry for themselves it
is a loving thing to do for themselves,
as they are allowing their spirit to flow
through them and be expressed.
Giving gifts that you make yourself is a
powerful expression of love. We encourage people to make gifts to give to
people in their lives.
spirit.
Color is inspiring and healing. We offer
products that stimulate and nurture our
Everyone needs to relax and have fun, whether it is in
our store or at home. Many of our customers are busy
people. When people come to our business, our processes for signing up for classes and making purchases are efficient and don’t waste people’s time.
Q. 3. Specifically, what characteristics did you
bring to Bead Inspirations that have influenced its
success?
From the beginning, it has been my intention that
Bead Inspirations would have a community feel. I
Q. 2. Please share with us your Philosophy of
have always had employees and instructors that have
Business as it relates to the success of Bead Inspira- contributed their talents and jewelry-making knowltions.
edge to our community. Our customers find a sense of
welcome here, and we have always catered to newbies
We do what we say we are going to do. We act with
as well as experienced beaders.
RitzyToo.com | RitzyToo! | February-March | 7