Simply Beadiful hosting second anniversary party May 21 and 22

Date: 5/17/2010

May 17, 2010

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD - Dawn Davis said she was at the "right point in my life" two years ago when she took the plunge and opened her business, Simply Beadiful at 1916 1/2 Wilbraham Rd, next to Curves and across from Fresh Acres market

"Things just came together," said the avid beader turned shop owner. "I researched my business plan [and] I wanted to be my own boss."

What didn't come together was the economy. But with a love of beading, an emphasis on stocking the kinds and quality of beading supplies that other stores didn't always carry and no sales history to go by, she forged ahead.

"I knew it was going to take a few years to build [the business] up," Davis said.

On May 21 and 22 Davis and her staff invite their customers to help them celebrate the second anniversary of a business that she said has "met and exceeded" her expectations.

The two-day event will include a Czech glass bead trunk show, an anniversary sale and on May 22, a day-long party with refreshments and cake for all who stop by.

"Basically the whole store will be on sale," Davis said. "And we'll have featured products that will be a 'buy two-get-two at 50 percent off' promotion."

In addition to the storewide sale, Davis said Simply Beadiful has added more classes to their schedule for the entire month of may.

Among these special May classes is a free pendant quick clinic (supplies extra) slated for May 27 at 5:45 p.m.

"It's going to be a contest," Davis said of this free clinic. "We're going to teach you how to make the pendant and then you can string it onto a necklace or whatever you want. Then (attendees) can bring it back and all entries will be judged by our employees."

The winning entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store.

Davis said she will also be highlighting new products as they arrive during their anniversary month, giving customers many reasons to stop by for a visit.

And as the economy starts to pick up, Davis said she is "cautiously optimistic" that customers will feel freer to indulge a bit more in hobbies such as beading.

"I don't see people doing away with their hobbies [despite the downturn]" Davis said. "They're staying with their beading, their quilting, their knitting, whatever they like to do."

For more information on Simply Beadiful's classes and anniversary celebration, visit their Web site at www.simplybeadiful.com or call 782-0288.