Christine White and Anne Todd began making jewelry as middle schoolers. By high school they had opened their first bead store, and today they own Beads, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. They credit the creativity, kindness and love of crafting passed down by the women in their family.
Beads, Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary in November 2021. From the beginning, the sisters have focused on customer service and on teaching people the skills to make their own jewelry. They also say giving back is part of the business.
The shop is a bead store with more than 3,300 products: kits for bracelets and necklaces, bead strands in many materials, chains, loose beads and pendants, and findings like clasps, wire and tools. There are beading classes, including Beading Basics 101 and a kids’ class, along with in-store repairs and custom orders.
White and Todd see beading as fashion-forward and simple, and they keep adding to the selection and the ways customers can take part. Their awards include Best of the Best in Charlotte, Top 30 under 30 entrepreneurs, and a place on the list of 50 Most Influential Women in Mecklenburg County. They’ve been featured in InStyle, Charlotte Magazine and The Charlotte Observer, among others.
The store is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
