On a trip to the east in 2003 we found some unusual beads that were not available in South Africa. At the time “lariats” (a type of necklace) were a big fashion accessory and the beads that we found as well as the flowers that we were already importing were just perfect for lariats.We took a huge step in the early part of 2004 and imported our first shipment (US700) of lamp-work beads in preparation for HobbyX, Cape Town. This show was held at the CTCC. The response at this show as well as the amount of stock that we sold was better than we expected.

We knew we were doing the right thing and this gave us the confidence to widen our range of beads.

In August of 2004 we moved into business premises in Parow East. Up to this point we were working from home. We chose an industrial area because the rentals are much lower than a shopping centre.

Within a year we had filled this space and needed warehouse space. We rented the premises immediately behind us and moved our warehouse into this space. It didn’t take long and this was bursting at the seams too. The premises across the road from us became available in February 2006 at a very good rental and we decided to move our shop across the road , still keeping the original premises for a new “wholesale” shop as well as the warehouse.

In November 2005 we took a giant leap and opened a shop in Durban and another in Willowbridge Lifestyle centre. With these two new shops we needed to import larger volumes of stock and needed to keep larger volumes on hand.

In October 2006 we moved into a warehouse upstairs from our original premises. This has given us the space to get our stock warehoused correctly and to put systems in place that were needed. We also have additional office space which was much needed.