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SPOTLIGHT ON ... DESIGNER
November 2008
Our featured designer for this month is Susan Grouell
After moving from Belize to Washington State, Susan began looking for business ideas that would blend her love of the natural world and her energetic work style. She opened and successfully ran an American Express Travel agency and a wholesale tour company- and then came Sept 11th 2001. That day changed the world, and changed her outlook on work- she took the time to take bead classes, and began to sell her work at the Issaquah Farmer's Market. Her old agency manager had asked her to make something that would hold her ID at her new work. After trying several prototypes, Susan decided on one and began to hand make them for sale at the market. In short time, they became a popular item, routinely selling out every day she brought them to the market.
Susan realized that she had a product that would sell well on the internet and after a lot of hard and sometimes frustrating work she launched a website. Sales quickly outstripped her ability to produce, and she began looking for help. A local community activist suggested she ask some of the women living the local trailer park to work for her- the idea was a success. Women living in rural trailer parks, often with no transportation- happily began to make lanyards. No tools are needed, only good eyesight, a table and a good light- the ladies could work at home, continue to take care of their families while they earned income the families desperately needed. Susan continues to develop all the designs, and gals living in the rural trailer parks of western Washington hand make them all.
Soft Flex® wire plays a big part in Susan's business. Soft Flex® wire is the only beading wire Susan uses for her lanyards. It is supple and will hold a crimp well on this
industrial form of jewelry. Earlier this year Susan launched her second website www.crystaldreams.info. She asked Sara at Soft Flex® Company for her recommendation of a electronic 'shopping cart'. Sara's advice was great; the new electronic website is a success too! Susan is committed to the continued use of her favorite product - Soft Flex® beading wire.
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