Things don't always turn out as planned...
BetterWorldRocks is proud to be in the top 1% of all Etsy sellers! Here is how it all happened:
In July of 1992, I set out on a 6-month backpacking trip through Asia. I had a one-way ticket and a waist pouch with money and a passport. I was eager to see the world. In college, I studied Asian Studies and Computer Science and I had just finished living and working in Japan. I was going to take this opportunity to become more familiar with Southeast Asia and return to the United States prepared for a job in international business.
I was ready for this trip...
Initially, my good friend and I traveled via suggestions of travel books. We saw all the "usual" sites but ultimately our paths were led by the stories and adventures of fellow backpackers. One place that was a recurring favorite was Kathmandu, Nepal. The stories were amazing and we couldn't wait to get there.
After our first 6 weeks of exhausting (yet exciting) travel through China, Nepal was a literal Shangri-La! There were happy, smiling people and stores filled with chocolate cakes. And, let's not forget the sweet, hot Chai that was boiling on every corner. Oh, and did I mention the beads, beads, beads... Lots and lots of beads.
I fell in love with jewelry and beads in Nepal. It was there that my future in international business became a wholesale bead and jewelry supply company.
Things don't always turn out as planned...
Upon my return, I began my business by hand-making beaded jewelry and selling it wholesale to local gift shops. I eventually branched out and for the next 15 years set up at national and regional trade shows. At a Washington D.C. trade show, I was lucky enough to meet and work with the buyers from the Smithsonian Catalog. Together we designed a beaded Amethyst set for their Christmas catalog.
And the adventure continues...,
After 30 years of buying unique and beautiful beads from small shops and bazaars around the world, they are taking over my workspace! I like to call it organized chaos as each and every bead has its place, but there are SO MANY of them! So now, my hand-made jewelry company, Better World, is turning into a wholesale bead and jewelry supply shop named Better World Rocks.
Things don't always turn out as planned...
In the end, I love being creative and being able to work from home. I welcome feedback, suggestions, and requests. Just let me know what you're looking for and I'll do my best to find it.
~Cheryl
