I recently made a connection with the owner of Boston Bead Company, Carson Eddy. She has two gorgeous store locations in Massachusetts. One in Cambridge and one in Salem, where I live. Carson's shop is beautiful and well stocked with findings, components and beads. She holds exciting events, like bead trunk shows and also features local bead artisans, like my friend Keith O'Connor. Her staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Oh, and the classes rock! I've taken several classes here. I regularly fall in love with the projects they select to offer.
Recently, Carson graciously invited me to celebrate the local Salem Arts Festival with them by hosting a book signing for my book, Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry and offering to have me teach a class as well! I'm so honored and grateful that she extended this invitation. I didn't waste any time saying "Yes!". Since our initial email contact, I've enjoyed several meetings with Carson and her staff while we were planning the book signing event and the class. Carson is so friendly, inviting and easy to talk to, as is her team of employees. It was a pure joy to work with them. I couldn't be happier with this collaborative event and every effort that was made to make it a success!
Although, I wished more local people would have come out to our events, I loved meeting and chatting up the few folks that did come. I was content to just put myself out there and participate in my town's art scene. I'm also happy I had more time to visit with Carson and her amazing team. We had a fun time chatting about family, business, books, beads and the beading community and craft industry. It's nice to have someone local that "gets it" to talk to. I've had some interesting enlightenment during our conversations about such things as well as some confirmation on some of my own thoughts. I feel fortunate that I have a great business owner like Carson who cares deeply about her customers, her community and local artists. I'm thrilled to pieces to now have my book sold in both of her shops. I'm proud to have her business establishment in my community and recommend it to you. If you are ever in the New England area, Boston Bead Company is a can't-miss-it, must-visit and a must-shop bead shop!
