Racine & Me: The Bead Bar & Craft Studio
RACINE, WI (CBS 58) -- Jessica Poteat is the Owner & Founder of The Bead Bar & Craft Studio. Her business can be found the Midwest Market 2210.
Poteat released the following information about her business to host Alex Corradetti:
The Bead Bar & Craft Studio specializes in unique, custom-beaded gifts. We offer a hands-on experience for all ages and skill levels to create one-of-a-kind items, including bracelets, pens, keychains, earrings, bottle toppers, makeup brushes, and more. This can be done on the spot as a walk-in—no appointment is necessary. We also offer a made-to-order option for on-the-spot customization as well as a wide selection of ready-made pieces. Whether you're crafting or shopping, The Bead Bar & Craft Studio has the perfect gift for anyone and any occasion. The studio is housed inside The Midwest Market 2210, a vibrant space with over 50 small businesses under one roof. The Bead Bar has only been in this permanent location for about six months, as it was initially run as a pop-up stand at local events and actually developed by accident.
How It All Started I have been an avid crafter my whole life but had never participated in a craft fair prior to 2020. In all honesty, they sort of scared me. The idea of putting myself out there like that did not sound like a good time. However, like so many others, I found myself struggling post-quarantine to exist in the world again, outside my house and computer screen. I needed something quick and big to get me out of this newfound sheltered comfort zone. So, in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do something every day that scares you," I decided to try a craft fair. Ironically, as a bit of a full-circle moment, my very first craft fair—three years ago next month—was at The Midwest Market, when it was just a farmers' market before the shops were built. At that first craft fair, I had all sorts of handmade items for sale. I am one of those general crafters who makes a little bit of everything. So, at the time, there was no Bead Bar. There weren’t many beadable items either—at least, not as mainstream as they are now. There were the pens, but with more traditional beads, such as the larger acrylic beads. Really, they were more of a side item—just fillers, really. I didn’t expect them to be a huge seller. However, there was some interest. But what really stood out was that people wanted to switch out the different beads or mix and match the pens. The DIY Pen Station After a couple of events like this—and with much encouragement from a good friend—I had a very teeny-tiny section of empty pens and a few bowls of various beads at my next craft fair. Essentially, it was a little DIY pen station, allowing people to create their own pens. It was a big hit. I was blown away—not just by how popular it was, but by how much I fell in love with running it. Seeing the excitement, creativity, and connection to their projects—and to each other—just blew me away. The Bead Bar Takes Shape The next two and a half years were a whirlwind. The industry grew like I have never seen before. The variety of beads and beadable items expanded at lightning speed. With each craft fair, I found myself bringing fewer of my own handmade items and more beadable items and bead options.
Eventually, The Bead Bar and my mission to make it something special were born. I poured everything I had into building it into a full-fledged DIY mobile art studio with over 30 beadable items and hundreds of different types of beads. However, before I knew it, it was almost too big. The logistics of something this size on the go was getting tricky, and having a full-time day job, being a mom, etc., was becoming a bit much. Luckily, it was literally at that point that I noticed a store at The Midwest Market—the very one I had been eyeing this whole time—was now available for lease. It felt like a sign, and I jumped at the opportunity. Thanks to the extra, now permanent space, I have essentially doubled The Bead Bar. Not only do I offer the beadable items and beads that I always have, but I’ve also added my personal stash, and then some of smaller beads, traditional string, findings, and non-beadable items, creating a full bead studio. Here, anyone—from beginner to expert—can create anything they imagine, and they are encouraged to do so. Creativity and Emotional Well-Being As a licensed therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how creativity can truly support our emotional well-being. We have science-backed research showing that involving ourselves in any sort of creativity actually improves brain function. It also increases serotonin—which we refer to as our happy hormone because it helps regulate mood and improve overall levels of happiness. Plus, the studio is decorated in a bright, cheerful, and almost over-the-top inspirational way. Based on research, it is also intended to positively impact our mood by boosting energy, creativity, and optimism. Happiness is Handmade The goal is to make people smile and feel happy, even for a moment. If they get to create their own happiness, that’s a bonus because I truly believe that happiness is handmade—whether it be the joy you get from creating something externally or the self-love and peace you personally create internally. When I get to be a part of that, it feels magical.
Upcoming Events at The Bead Bar: 1. Words That Uplift, Bracelets That Support This initiative features a monthly collection of bracelets sold to support a specific cause. Purchasers can select a bracelet and, if desired, add a personalized card. All bracelets will be personally delivered to the chosen local organization at the end of each month. · October – In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, proceeds will benefit the Women’s Resource Center. · November – For National Adoption Month, with a focus on children in foster care, proceeds will benefit Caring Connections Foster Support, a new local organization providing resources to foster families. 2. Pop-Up Booth at The Hocus Pocus & Coffee Bash · Date: October 27th · Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. · Location: The Inclusive Bean 3. Indoor Trick-or-Treating at Midwest Market · Date: October 27th · Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. · Trick-or-treat through 50+ stores, with special deals and events, including the next Squishmallow Meet! · The Bead Bar opens at 1 p.m., featuring spooky beads, charms, and supplies for all your Halloween crafts and gifts. 4. Community Positivitree Project · Dates: First two weekends in November · Guests are invited to create positive message ornaments to be placed on The Bead Bar's entry for the Festival of Trees. · Cost: $1 per ornament · Festival of Trees: Runs from November 18th to December 18th, hosted by Midwest Market. The festival features beautifully decorated trees available for auction. · Donation: 50% of the proceeds from the auction and ornament sales will benefit Racine NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
5. Shake Off the Concert Blues · Dates: November 1st – 3rd · While Taylor Swift is performing in Indy, we’ll have supplies at The Bead Bar for crafting your own Gigantic Friendship Bracelet Garland. · Join us for some Taylor-themed fun and let’s make the most of missing the concert together! · More details and pricing to come soon!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebeadbarcraftstudio/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bead.bar.craft.studio