Maybe you knew The Bead Monkey in the early days, in a tiny space on France Avenue. Maybe you know The Bead Monkey now from shopping in either of our fabulous stores in Minneapolis or St.Paul or from shopping online. But how did The Bead Monkey start?
It started when a Tina Agar was 17, designing jewelry made from paper clips and safety pins... and selling under the name of Elizabeth Brazen Designs. And her designs sold like wildfire. Check out these fabulous earrings from Tina's beading archives!
This pair was priced at $10 circa 1991.
By the time Tina was 18, she was working her first bead store job, and within a month she knew that she wanted to open her own store.
Eight months later, Tina was writing a business plan and The Bead Monkey was born.
Fast forward 17 years. On her beading journey Tina has not only discovered gauged wire and head pins, but polymer clay, ICE Resin, metal working, bead weaving and so much more.
One of Tina's latest favorites is this mixed media piece that will be offered as a class in the summer of 2011.
The Bead Monkey has been a group effort of many great and loyal employees, family and friends that have helped The Bead Monkey to where we are... two world famous bead stores.
Thanks for sharing the journey so far- and stay tuned for more-
