Beads tell a story

Beads tell a story

Oh la la new beads! All our beads from India have finally arrived.  The mailing of the order was split , so every week we waited with baited breaths to see what was packed neatly inside . I was pleasantly surprised to discover each new bead. My fingers rummaged through to look, touch, and imagine the tales of each bead; the designer, craftsman, exotic region, inspiration … the story.  Take a look at a few pictures of these beautiful beads and tell me what story each one tells to you..

 

 

 

Queen of Beads Cover Story

Each experience leads you to today,the battle is not over, it has just begun… the journey continues.

The Trinidad and Tobago’s Sunday Guardian (13th June 2010), Woman Wise Magazine, cover story by Laura Dowrich coined me as the Queen of beads. Delighted, shocked and grateful are some of the feelings experienced.

How  it began!

A few years ago my family thought I was crazy when I shared the idea of opening a bead store. I was designing jewelry successfully but always had challenges sourcing materials. However, last year my brother offered me a space to use. The first thing that came to mind was beads, beads and more beads. I weighed the risk, consulted my husband and with one month before returning to work I sourced materials and prepared the store. My son was three months old and here I was taking a risk.  The space was a good trial and error.  This year another opportunity came knocking; a larger space  with a potential loft studio became available and after much consideration I decided to move from my nest to the Bead Cafe’s new home. The new shop features a larger floor plan and an in-house studio. The Bead Cafe has an array of beads, findings, tools and supplies.

The Story

A Sunday evening Fashion Event, good conversation with writers, led to discovery, a meeting and a story. I am always excited to chit chat about beads, jewelry and craft. It was a wonderful opportunity.`

What is next for me

Many admirable women have graced the cover of the Woman Wise, so to now be one of them is a privilege and a challenge. But  I am always up for a good challenge. I hope to continue to develop the Bead Cafe to be a full service bead and craft store.  To continue sharing my creativity,  skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of craft and small businesses in Trinidad and Tobago. We need to support local businesses to sustain growth and development.

Thank you for your support!

Tameika

‘Be the change you want to see in the world,‘ – Mahatma Ghandi

To read the Queen of Beads article that appeared in the Trinidad and Tobago Sunday Guardian, 13th June 2010, click on the link: http://guardian.co.tt/features/woman-magazine/2010/06/13/queen-beads