Special Event

Since starting trollbeads in 2007 i have hosted many special events. At first i was nervous hearing about other events where customers were lined out the door. 

The enticement was that the first few customers would receive a free bracelet. And after they entered the store we would have special sales and deals.

Customers usually came with friends  and would help each other pick out beads. It was like having many children and the oldest would take care of the youngest.

I remember people driving from nearby towns and having fun meeting other bead collectors.

The event usually lasted several days. After which I would swear never to have one again.

The events were controlled by the vendor as to what the sales were. And sometimes I was allowed to buy special beads. But only a few events were allowed each year.

In the early days we had silver or glass beads in categories or groups. Silver beads went up to 5 categories. Then silver and glass, silver and stone,  gold, and gemstones. There were a lot of themes to choose from. But the beads were not ordinary. 

Designs and everyday motifs made you believe your dreams were real, your hopes were attainable, and you could actually touch something on your wrist that felt right. 

Events were a wonderful way to bring new collectors into the fold. Customers would leave clutching their treasures. That is what helped convince me to keep going. As I too knew the value of having a bracelet of  hope or happiness on my wrist.

The events turned into parties. Birthday parties or just getting together parties. A few times I traveled to  put on events.  It continued until the host became ill. 

At one event her dog got out and we ran around the neighborhood trying to catch it. She was a gracious host and served refreshments with the deserts I brought.

I will never forget her and the good times we had. I met her when she traveled to my store. She loved the beads and wanted to share them with her friends.

Then came the explosion of the internet sales.
Online shopping was allowed and suddenly events  could reach people far away. 
 
As well as having events in my store, I now show beads via messenger or messaging. Appointments can be made and customers have ample time to see the beads. Sometimes having an hour to get my personal attention. Friendship is not lost at all. I have met so many wonderful people this way. The common denominator is our attachment to the beads. We go from there. Sharing our stories and at times our desire to attain a meaningful connection. 

The events are themed. Summer uniques, Halloween,  winter or spring. Beads are theme related. Flowers, vines, pumpkins, mermaids , sea creatures, or just special beads like the faceted uniques.

Collectors look for these events. . There is usually an event bead like the Blue Mirage , Grace Glow or Illumination. This year the lucky  spirit bead with rose quartz or prehnite  head was introduced. 

As I get ready for this year's Halloween event I take a deep breath and think of the past. I now can reach more customers and help more people see what I see and feel and help others find a piece of happiness one bead at a time.