Whimsy Beadworks Feature | Shop Our Community

"Whimsy Beadworks: Crafting Confidence, One Bead at a Time"

By Deb Guerrieri | Published October 2023 | Tags: Small Business Owner, Shop Our Community, Selling Small, Handmade, Maker, Artisan, Chicago Maker, Chicago Small Business, Custom made, OOAK, Whimsy Beadworks.

By Deb Guerrieri, Founder and Content Creator of Our Community

In the quaint town of New Lenox, Illinois, a small business called Whimsy Beadworks is capturing hearts and inspiring confidence through the art of jewelry making. Founded by the creative force, Shelby Koester, this vibrant enterprise is not just about crafting beautiful jewelry but also about empowering women to feel more confident and beautiful. In this feature article, I’ll dive into the colorful world of Whimsy Beadworks and discover the passion, creativity, and community spirit that drive this small business.

The Birth of Whimsy Beadworks: Whimsy Beadworks is the brainchild of Shelby Koester, a lifelong creative soul who's been crafting since her early years. While she dabbled in various creative pursuits, jewelry making became her true passion after taking her first class. The spark ignited, and Shelby knew she had found her calling.

Crafting Confidence Through Jewelry: Whimsy Beadworks

specializes in crafting one-of-a-kind (ooak), small batch, and

custom handcrafted jewelry. Each piece is a testament to

Shelby's dedication to her craft and her mission to boost

confidence and beauty in every woman who wears her work.

The jewelry is made using a variety of techniques and mediums,

resulting in a colorful array of pieces often inspired by the

beauty of nature.

The Creative Process: Shelby's creative process is a blend of artistry and craftsmanship. She employs various techniques, including beadwork, stringing, wirework, and more to create each piece. Her designs are a burst of vibrant colors, reflecting her love for nature and the joy of crafting.

Challenges and Triumphs: Like many small business owners,

Shelby faces the challenge of wearing many hats. Running a

business demands versatility, time management, and a relentless

spirit. Despite the hurdles, Whimsy Beadworks has achieved

notable recognition. One of Shelby's designs was featured in

Season 5 of the popular Netflix series, Virgin River, a testament

to her talent and dedication.

Community Involvement: Whimsy Beadworks is not just about

crafting jewelry; it's about giving back to the community. Shelby

donates gift certificates and pieces of her work to charities,

including Stray Rescue St. Louis, CASA Dupage County, local

high school booster club fundraisers, and Cal’s Angels for pediatric

cancers. This community spirit shines through in every facet of her

busines

Words of Wisdom: For aspiring small business owners and those pursuing careers in art, crafting, or any creative field, Shelby offers valuable advice: Research your product, know your target audience, and be passionate about what you do. These principles have guided her journey to success.

Fun Facts About Shelby: Beyond her business, Shelby is a mom to

three kids and two rescue dogs. She enjoys hiking, reading, baking,

and, of course, designing jewelry. Her designs have made their way

onto television screens, adding an exciting dimension to her already colorful life.

Connect with Whimsy Beadworks: If you're eager to explore the world of Whimsy Beadworks and support this creative endeavor, you can connect with Shelby and her jewelry through various channels: