Photo courtesy John Klasen
Coral Springs mom, Kay Klasen, started her home business, Kay’s Gems and Treasures, quite by accident. “A friend found stylus leashes for her children’s DS games online, but felt the price was too high. I started shopping for beads to make them, and got hooked on beading.”
A working Mom with a special needs child, Kay already had a full time job and volunteered at her son’s school and with a charity. Making bead jewelry has been a way to “relax, save money on jewelry that I love, and make a few extra dollars’ spending money”. As the compliments and orders began rolling in, she realized she had a talent for creating unique pieces that appealed to a variety of women. With a reasonable pricing structure, she could also give other women that may be struggling in this economy an opportunity to afford accessories that they might not otherwise be able to purchase. Her individual pieces start at $15.00, with full sets currently maxing out at $80.00 for the set.
Photo courtesy John Klasen
Her creative process is truly an organic one. Sitting on her back patio, watching her son play as the ducks waddle across the grass to the canal, Kay pours out a random assortment of beads and waits until the patterns and ideas begin to emerge. From there, she sorts and arranges the beads before stringing the final product. Her style ranges from Bohemian, to Classic, to New Age, and her work consists of single necklaces, necklace and bracelet sets, and full sets of necklace, bracelet and earrings.
When asked how she manages juggling her full time job, being wife and Mom, and starting her own business, Kay responds with her usual aplomb, “I choose what’s important. I set priorities. If it’s not going to make a real difference, I don’t worry about it”. She also gives credit to the support of her husband, who shares household duties and meal preparation. “Ultimately, I hope my son learns from my example that he can do anything he sets his mind to”.
Kay’s Gems and Treasures can be found online by clicking here, or you can contact her directly by emailing kay@bellsouth.net.
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