Support Local Businesses
There has been so much disconnection from the world because of the events happening around us and, in order to combat that just a little bit, follow Deenie and her efforts to shed a little light on our amazing local businesses.
The bead merchant & yarn supply
Interview Conducted By Deenie Bulyalert
Temporary Business Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday 11 am - 4 pm
Saturday 11 am - 2 pm
Location:
115 SW H Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone Number:
(541)-659-4518
Owner- Renee Smith
Located in historic downtown Grants Pass, in southern Oregon, The Bead Merchant & Yarn Supply is a wonderful store featuring a full selection of beads, jewelry-making and fiber arts supplies from around the world. As you enter our store, enjoy a relaxing atmosphere - take your time and explore the selection of beautiful beads, books and our collection of unique jewelry and knitting/crochet supplies.
Have you always been the owner of this business? How long have you owned it?
I've owned the store since 1996, but it was founded in 1989 and had two previous owners.
I decided to buy the business because I wanted to move back to Grants Pass from Southern California to be near my family. I had a degree in Fine Arts and felt very comfortable with jewelry-making. I had also worked for several years in a downtown retail store that my parents owned, so I was comfortable with the idea of owning/operating a business.
What made you decide to buy a business like this?
What was it like when you first took over the business? How did you feel?
When my husband and I first took over the store, I was very excited and happy to have our own business. We both worked at the shop, and had 3 small children to look after. I was very happy that the previous two employees of the shop stayed on for a while to help us learn the basics of jewelry-making and repair.
I was a Recreation Therapist. I worked for the City of Ventura and managed recreation activities for people with various disabilities. Everything from wheelchair tennis to Special Olympics! I loved it!
What did you do before this?
Did you ever think that you would own a business like this one?
Not really. I had never thought about it, really. I had enjoyed my previous career so much, but knew it would be very difficult to find such a job in Southern Oregon. I had taken some business courses, and felt pretty confident that I could manage a store.
My favorite part of owning a business is being able to meet so many wonderful people, and that it requires many different skills to operate a business successfully. My least favorite part of owning a business is organizing the back room.
What is your favorite and least favorite part about running this business?
How has Covid impacted your business? If it has, how has the pandemic impacted your employees?
COVID impacted my business by causing us to have to close the store from mid-March to June of 2020. When we re-opened, fewer people were shopping due to the continued threat of exposure. Our hours are still limited due to this. We have temporarily stopped offering all classes, and have discontinued all of the larger group meetings for knitters. It has affected us financially, in a very significant way. But we have also added more opportunities to purchase kits and take online classes through our website: www.beadmerchant.com. The shop does not have employees, but our class instructors have asked not to teach until COVID is no longer a threat.
The most memorable thing while having this business is during our first five years owning the shop, during some of our most fabulous sale events where one of my vendors would come in for a day-long sale. He would bring more inventory than 2 shops! We would set up all the beautiful gemstone beads on 6 or 7 large tables squeezed into the class area. I loved seeing the reaction from customers....it was truly amazing to see so many beautiful beads!
What is the most memorable thing that you have experienced while having this business?
How have you coped with the ups and downs during this pandemic?
I've coped with COVID by keeping busy....trying to improve our website, researching new suppliers, cleaning the back room, and doing fun stuff at home (making sourdough bread).
There are as many ups as there are downs in business. Be prepared, and enjoy the ride!
Is there anything you would like to say to those who may be facing the same struggles as you?
Author's Note: We missed you all last month. We apologize, It was a hard month for everyone, but we are back. I hope you enjoyed this month's local business!
