I was faced with 3 questions from 3 different people this month. . .
Question 1:
"How come you never considered setting up a kiosk for your beads in a mall?"
"How come you never considered setting up a kiosk for your beads in a mall?"
Question 2:
"Can you work as a sub-contractor for my bead business?
"Can you work as a sub-contractor for my bead business?
Question 3:
"I need beaded BIB necklaces for a high-end store in Makati. Can you make it?"
"I need beaded BIB necklaces for a high-end store in Makati. Can you make it?"
I was stunned. I used to ask the 1st question when I was still working for the mall. As for the 2nd and 3rd questions, I felt a momentary excitement because I knew that these proposals -- with the condition of exclusivity and having to sacrifice By Beaded Story's name -- equated to income.
Let me tell you, this is not the first time I was asked these questions. In previous encounters, I would say I will think about it.
But this time, I give you my answer . . .
By Beaded Story happened at a time when I longed for a creative outlet. I wanted to see and feel more color amidst a black and white world. I had to get out of that 4-sided box and be able to work freely... without any pressure and deadline.
So one day, my heart chose to bead.
I call these LUCKey Charms.
I made 300 pieces of these on the day I decided to end my 12-year corporate life.
I bead because
. . . I am able to share with you my stories.
. . . I show you how I see the world.
. . . I feel fulfilled.
I am thankful for the appreciation, for the business proposals, for invitations to lease a permanent space. But all these years, I have shielded By Beaded Story from my black and white world. I refuse to accommodate fads, pressure and deadline. Let the Pharmacy handle that.
By Beaded Story's booth at St. James the Great Bazaar.
I will continue to live with what I originally planned for By Beaded Story . . . To bead with a Story. To be unique and one-of-a-kind. To produce in limited quantities. To make my presence felt where I feel is right.
I never saw my beading as a business nor a hobby.
By Beaded Story is all about LIVING ONE'S DREAM.
By Beaded Story is all about LIVING ONE'S DREAM.
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