immagine Photography
Andrea Taylor, left, with Mariela Vidrascu in front of their Monroe Avenue location.
Beading has become a favorite DIY project, as homemade beaded jewelry gifts are personalized and one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
At Bead Breakout/Stefan Otter in Brighton, at 2314 Monroe Ave., just east of Twelve Corners, the customer can be as much a part of the design as she desires.
Entrepreneurs Andrea Taylor (Bead Breakout) and Mariela Vidrascu (Stefan Otter Fine Jewelers) have aligned to become a one-stop place for jewelry shopping and an in-person experience worth the trip away from online ordering.
The colorful store combines beading and basic wirework with fine jewelry, gemstones, soldering, drilling, and repairs — from simple to sophisticated. Professionally designed pre-made jewelry items are also on display.
photo provided
Bead Breakout
Images of some of Taylor and Vidrascu’s jewlery and beading supplies.
Taylor and Vidrascu are on hand to assist you in purchasing components, advising on selections for you to create your jewelry at home, or sharing a DIY lesson. They even can find you, if needed, a metal piece soldered or a shell drilled.
The two jewelry stores have come together under one roof in the 1920s house that has been home to Bead Breakout since 2005. The setting features a fireplace, oriental rugs, and an uplifting ambiance. It has been described as having a therapeutic and calming effect, laced with an element of excitement.
“Our philosophy is to meet the customers’ needs, be helpful, and make it an enjoyable experience,” Taylor said. “We enjoy working alongside the customer, discussing design ideas, personal experiences they may want to represent in the creation of something sentimental, or just a fun, beautiful item they feel they’ve had a part in designing.”
Taylor built on a philosophy of tapping into what comforts people, stemming from her work as a research assistant for Dr. Wende Logan-Young of Elizabeth Wende Breast Care.
Taylor had the idea of selling beaded jewelry at the clinic, and also making massages available to enhance the comforting environment for those waiting for a mammogram or test results. She continues her vision in her store, instilling warm welcoming feelings and personal attention.
Vidrascu, and her husband, Stefan, searched for the right partner to join forces toward a similar vision.
“We looked at health spas, clothing stores, and many other businesses as prospective partners,” Vidrascu said. “When we met Andrea, we knew right away that her personality and the atmosphere of her store was perfect. We had found our partner.”
Stefan Otter Jewelers specializes in designing and creating precious and semi-precious pieces with fine gold and silver. Their design guidance assists customers in re-purposing treasured jewelry, such as a family heirloom or a gift from someone who has passed. The finished piece will be one in which the customer played integral part of designing.
Enhancing the daily retail offerings, the two stores can host bridal parties, where the participants design their own accessories, and also “Beading on the Road,” which travels to wineries, country clubs, and recreation centers.
Learn more at beadbreakout.com or stefanotter.com.
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