How did Katharine start making jewelry and how did it turn into a viable business idea?
Retired from years in the human service world, Katharine was 67-years-old and planning a move with Jon from their home in York, Pennsylvania to Spokane, Washington. Katharine–never a hands-on craft or art enthusiast—asked a friend, Holly, to show her how to make a bracelet with beads and memory wire. Katharine beaded 15 bracelets and gave them to friends and family as Christmas gifts, and received support for her newly found talent. She then decided to try a necklace, bracelet, and earring set for her friend, Winnie’s birthday. Winnie loved the gift and asked Katharine to make several pieces for her to buy and give for gifts. With this growing interest and a need to supplement retirement income, the seed for a business was planted. A local café in York, displaying local art, featured Katharine’s work. A “Spotlight on Art” article was printed in the York Daily Record, a “Mouse in the House” event hosted by Winnie, and enthusiastic encouragement from her family, provided the next steps.
