This past summer, my family and I went on vacation to my island called New Caledonia. By some coincidence I met one of our long time customers, Nicole, who is also a designer. She was so happy to meet me that she organized a tea party with her customers to introduce me. Not only is she a great designer but she is also an amazing cook. Look at the cake she made with the sugar necklace on top!
I asked her if she would like to share her story of how she started to make jewelry with us. So this is her really sweet and wonderful story:
“My story started when I went to Australia with my dad, where he would be hospitalized for several months. I just retired 6 months ago so I lived on a pension there when I found a beautiful boutique that sold jewelry. The nurses at the hospital were so nice, that my dad wanted to give them a gift, so I bought several glass beaded bracelets for them. My dad gave me one that I keep as my lucky charm. When we went back to our island, he gave me the idea to create jewelry to stay busy. I loved the idea and he was one of my first customers, but he sadly passed away a few months later.
His absence was really hard for me and still is. I am sure that it is because of him that I found Artbeads.com.
It might be strange, but every time that I needed some supplies for my designs, I would find them several days later online. I have been buying from you for almost 12 years, starting around the same time that my dad left us.
My business name is Krystal. I chose that name because I first worked with Swarovski crystal and then I added some gemstones, mother of pearl, wood and other components.
The Y in my business name is because my supplier is American (the word “crystal” is actually spelled “cristal” in French).
The K is because my dad’s name was Kameo (from Japan). I have a little turtle on my business card because kameo means turtle in Japanese. I wanted to give homage to my dad because he is the reason why I am a jewelry designer.
Twelve years ago, my dad inspired my passion, and Krystal was created. The encounter with you, Cynthia, and your husband, Devin, was a sign of a rebirth for me.
To create jewelry is for me another world: when I am with my beads, I feel close to my dad, time just stops, and I feel complete.”
I feel very fortunate to have met Nicole. I was so touched by her story and her generosity. It seemed like fate that we were supposed to meet. We were able to meet several times and I even taught her how to do the Peyote stitch. She gave me this beautiful jewelry set and I couldn’t thank her enough.
I love hearing how a small bead can change someone’s life. It definitely changed mine.
Thank you Nicole for your beautiful story.
– Cynthia
Wonderful story! 🙂
Beautiful story and love jewelry!!!
What a beautiful story and also beautiful jewelry! I love the Starfish in the necklace for Cynthia ❤️
Nicole’s story is heartwarming and her creations are beautiful!