Hi,
I’m Laura, founder of Beadscape Inc. On December 2, 1993 my whole life
changed. While stopping in traffic someone hit me from behind, leaving
me with a partial and permanent disability in my left hand. At the time,
I was a cocktail server at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ and
after surgery, recovery and physical therapy it was determined I could
no longer carry a tray. I started making jewelry to help with the
rehabilitation of my left hand.
I
had always made things-jewelry, wall hangings, decorative boxes,
embellished clothing, but I never thought about selling any of it. By
the end of 1994 a friend of mine named Irwin offered to let me set up a
small table to sell some of my wares at Columbus Market. And so it
began. At first I sold jewelry and beaded hair. Then, I learned to hair
wrap (an art form which I love). One thing led to another. Soon I was
vending at Flea Markets and Craft Shows 4 days a week and making jewelry
the other 3 days.
Eventually,
it all became too much for me to setup and move so I looked for a small
shop to settle down in. I rented a small shop in January 1995 in
Rancocas Woods, NJ from a friend of mine named Mary. By October of 1995
I needed a larger shop so I moved across the street to a larger shop. My
business continued to grow and expand.
Along
with my best friend Kim, I started vending at major rock festivals
including the Further Festival, A Day in the Garden Festival in Bethel,
NY (Duke, Kim's son, was such a great helper), Gathering on the Mountain and the Sunshine Daydream Festival.
In
August of 1998, I met my boyfriend (now husband) Stephen. He has helped
more than he’ll ever know and my business continues to grow.
In
May 1999, at the suggestion of my friend Rose Ann (who we affectionately
call the Major) we moved our business to our first location at 14 Scott
Street, Riverside, NJ.
In April 2001, we moved to our current larger location at 12 Scott
Street, Riverside, NJ. A VERY SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who
helped us during all of our moves. It amazes us, the friends we've
made along the way. Everyone pulled through when we needed them
and we are forever grateful!!
The
people of Riverside and the surrounding towns have really welcomed us.
Through it all we have made many friends who have become members of our
extended family.
Many
thanks to my Momma and my Dad (whom I love a lot and miss even
more), Kim, Jenna, Jim, Rena, Amanda, Duke, Molly, Steven, Doug, Eric,
Michael, Bruce, Steve, Bobby, Richard, & Ryder Sue. and my Dad
(whom I love a lot and miss even more), Jenna, Jim, Rena, Amanda, Duke,
Molly, Steven, Doug, Eric, Michael, Bruce, Steve, Bobby, Richard, &
Ryder Sue.
Many
more thanks go to Hollis, Randy, Cindy & Bob, Kimmie, Hank, Terry
& Bruce, Bruce Jr., John, Adam, Steve, William, Brad, Janice,
Chrissy & Billy, and my Boyfriend & Best Friend Stephen. Thanks
also to Kenny at Marathon Cleaners who let us borrow some clothing bins
and to Holiday House Furniture for the use of their furniture dollies,
all of which helped make our move easier. More thanks go to
everyone who stopped in the purchase something and ended up lending
a hand to help move, pickup or hold something up. You are all the
most awesome friends anyone could ever hope to have. Thanks to
everyone who has helped along the way-- you all know who you are.
On
May 6, 2003 our lives changed again. We both said "I
Do". Now I can spend the rest of my life with my best friend,
Stephen. He was worth the wait.
We
have expanded our family again! We now have two very cute dogs,
Maggie and Annie. We adopted Maggie and Annie from the AWA in
Voorhees. Maggie is a poodle/cairn terrier (Toto dog from
the Wizard of Oz) mix, she is gray with white markings. Annie is a
cocker spaniel/border collie mix, she is blonde with white markings.
They filled our lives with love, big eyes and wagging tails. There
is nothing like a dog! FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ADOPTING AN ANIMAL,
YOU MAY CONTACT THE AWA AT www.awanj.org
or visit their facility at 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees. NJ 08043.
The phone number is (856) 424-2288. Adoption hours are Mon-Fri 1-8
and Sat-Sun 12-5. Stop in, they have many animals waiting for a
good home. You may just find your next best friend!
