Interview Feature with BeadEvolution

Today's interview feature is with Helen from BeadEvolution!  Helen makes bold resin jewelry and would like to offer a 10% discount on everything in her store to anyone who reads the blog - only until the end of the year! Readers should just send her a message saying that they saw this feature.  

How did you come up with your shop name?

I can't quite remember how the name Beadevolution came to me but I think it is apt as my business is evolving (as I am sure all businesses do). What started out as an obsession with resin beads has turned into an obsession with creating them from scratch.

Why did you start your Etsy shop?
My Etsy shop is still very new. I started with Etsy as it seemed to be the best way to reach an international audience - I am in Australia. I love the international nature of Etsy.

How long have you been a crafter?

I have always been a maker since I was a little girl. I trained as a chef and have also worked on interiors so I think my passion for 'putting things together' is carried through with my Etsy store. I have been collecting beads for ages and making jewelry for friends for a while as well as occasionally selling a piece. I opened Beadevolution with the encouragement of friends and family and am turning my hobby into a business.

Does your shop reflect your personal style?

I would say that my shop does reflect my personal style. I like the bold use of color! I am also quite obsessed with textures and I think this is reflected in my creations. All my jewelry is very tactile.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your products?

My inspiration comes from all around. I am lucky to live very close to the beach and I am working on some resin pebbles which are made from molds from my beach pebbles. I also have a very beautiful indigenous Australian garden which gives me color combination inspiration. Often a piece of fabric or a great artwork can also inspire.

Is there a piece in your shop that was hard for you to part with?

There is a piece in my shop which hasn't sold yet - my smoky olive resin cuff.  This will be hard for me to part with as I spent hours sanding it and I am really pleased with the way it turned out - pretty close to perfection!

Care to share an idea or item you hope to have in your shop in the future?
As I mentioned I am working on some resin pebbles which will feature in necklaces and earrings. I am also enjoying using felt with resin so will be doing some more of that.

What’s the most important piece of advice you can give to other shop owners?

As my business is very new still I am not really in a position to give too much advice! I do think that with online selling it is absolutely crucial to have good photographs though and great product descriptions - and of course to give fantastic customer service.


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