{Local Ladies} Victoria Gaines

Your Name: Victoria Gaines

Business Name: BeadifulSoul

City: Atlanta,GA

Year Established: April 2011

Etsy Website: http://www.BeadifulSoul.etsy.com

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/BeadifulSoul

Personal Blog/Website: http://victoriagaines.com (Light for the Creative Soul)

Do you have a location or are you exclusively online?

I sell exclusively online right now. 

Tell us about your product

 I love designing classy, elegant, and timeless jewelry. My aim is to always craft something beautiful, sturdy, and affordable ~ memorable, artistic jewelry that's fun to wear. For that reason, I only work with quality components, mainly sterling silver, plated silver, copper, bronze,or gold-filled.  Semi precious stones, luminescent shell beads, glass pearls, andsparkly Swarovski and Czech crystals ALL make lovely Beadiful Souldesigns, which I try to hand-select in person before buying. My signature bracelets include some very sparkly Swarovski crystals with an AB (aurora borealis) finish for that shimmery pop factor ♥

What made you want to start a business?

 Actually, my daughter and a couple friends urged me to sell my jewelry when they first saw my handcrafted designs. I had been making jewelry sets for birthdays and Christmas gifts for a few years and enjoyed bead collecting. It wasn't until my husband lost his job earlier this year that I seriously considered showcasing my creations online. By then, the time was right, and necessity being the mother of invention, I found myself eager to take this creative journey to the next level. Since then my custom orders have kept me busy while building my Etsy shop. I love playing with color palettes and textures, learning new techniques, and getting wonderful feedback that comes from happy customers.

What’s your favorite thing about owning your own business?

 For me, it's really about flexibility and the opportunity to bless others through this creative process. Being able to work from home is the perfect scenario for me.

Any advice you’d give someone looking to turn their hobby into something more?

 Pray about it. Listen to the voices that affirm your God-given talents and abilities, and move in the direction of your dreams. Those who know you and care about you, will speak truth into your life, encourage you, and nurture your creativity. Building a business is a lot of hard work, and sometimes lonely, so surround yourself with plenty support and look for opportunities.  

These little babies will be mine soon!

 
What inspires you?

 Beautiful photography, art, colorful fashion, music, and good writing. When I'm zapped of creative energy, I'm usually refreshed in the company of other artistic people, but I find inspiration everywhere.   

Tell us about yourself, family, interests:

 My husband and I are empty-nesters but we're blessed with a trio of granddaughters who keep us entertained and well loved. We enjoy craft shows and festivals, cookouts, a good movie now and then, drives to the countryside, and family get-togethers. I love to write, paint, dabble in mixed media art, and decorate cakes.  My husband is a two-time cancer survivor who totally supports my "house of beads."

 
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?

 Probably shopping for beads or having a sleepover with my granddaughters:-)

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

 That would most definitely be organic dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt. ♥

 Mmmm...that sounds amazing!

Where is your dream vacation spot?

 France ~ my father's homeland. But a weekend up in the North Georgia Mountains is dreamy,too. Give me a log cabin, hot jacuzzi bath, and some village craft shops, and I'm good to go.

Thanks so much, Victoria! I love your jewelry! I can't wait to own my little piece of Beadiful Soul!
Victoria has been so kind as to donate two of her beautiful creations to two lucky followers- one pair of snowman earrings and one bangle bracelet! 
Simply go Like Beadiful Soul and Hugghins Photography, then leave a comment here or on one of our walls!
Contest ends Friday 11/11!!