Long ago, I had a dream. I was going to start a little craft and jewelry shop. I had been beading, collecting stones and shells, investing in tools and inventory as far back as I could remember. I was constantly trying to perfect and learn more about my craft. I was finally about to make it happen when I suffered a major illness that almost took my life and found me having to learn to walk again. Coincidentally, I faced many other trials at the same time and I felt helpless and hopeless about what would become of me. My dream, seemed far, far away.

Looking back, I don't know how I made it through it all, except to say I was surely blessed and I am very grateful! It has been a long recovery and I changed as the result of it. But, as some things about me changed, the constants over my lifetime remained true. I still loved collecting and learning about gemstones, shells and beads. I adored vintage and antique places and possessions and I was more than ever fascinated by Universal energy and spiritualism.

I also learned a lot, during my trials. I was the recipient of great acts of kindness from others. I recall being in awe and charmed by the concept of good "karma." I felt the goodness extended to me, should not stop with me. I do believe, that what one puts out into the Universe will come back full circle. I also choose to believe that perhaps, some of the good energy I had put out out into the Universe myself (when I was well), came back to find me when I most needed it (though I was not motivated by reward when I generated the karma).

Inspired by all this and as a matter of destiny, I decided to name my venture, "Universal Charm." With the naming of my shop I knew, no matter how long it took, I would one day see "Universal Charm" happen. That was well over 10 years ago.

With a powerful name such as "Universal Charm," my shop needed to be more than an impersonal business. I not only wanted those who bought my designs to enjoy what they purchased, I wanted them to feel something special, some additional touch of happiness during the experience. Some kind of human generated "universal charm."

Thank you for reading my story.

Nancy, Universal Charm