Small move creates big work for bead shop owner

Moving a business is never easy. But moving a bead business filled with thousands and thousands of little glossy balls has to be a special challenge.

"It has been a nightmare. A bead store has a lot of little things," said Carol Greenspan, owner of Beauty and the Bead in Vernon Hills.

The business owner is moving her shop about a mile down the road to 129 W. Townline Road, or Route 60.

Greenspan, who has operated the business for 14 years, was asked to move to make room for a new chain restaurant taking her current space at 701 N. Milwaukee in Rivertree Court.

She expects to reopen at her new, slightly larger location sometime next week. In an effort to make the move a little easier and more fun, Greenspan held a moving party at which friends and customers helped her pack up the little beads and accessories.

The entrepreneur has watched interest in beading grow over the years. She has also seen many stores catering to the trend come and go.

"I'm the oldest bead business in Lake County," Greenspan said.

She says she knows it sounds trite, but believes her success comes from placing a heavy focus on the customer.

She said beading started as a hobby for her while she worked in the corporate world in human resources and organizational development.

"Beading slowly took over my life," she said, adding that it's a creativity outlet as well as a way to reduce stress.

In running the shop, she attempts to foster creativity in a "homey atmosphere."

The business, which features an online catalog from which customers can purchase items, highlights an array of beads including handmade glass; vintage German, Czech, and Japanese strands; pearls, silver, seed beads; Japanese Delicas; and beads made with other materials.

Along with beads, Greenspan, often called "the Bead Lady," said she features a large variety of stringing materials and clasps.

Her new shop will continue to offer birthday parties and classes as well as jewelry repair, she said.

For more information, check out beautyandthebeadonline.com.

Kim Mikus covers small business. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.