I’m a little ashamed to admit I had never been inside until earlier this week. In the seven years the do-it-yourself shop has been at 28 East Main Street in Mystic I’ve driven or walked by thousands of times but I never set foot inside. Apparently, I’m not the only one.
“It amazes me how many people come in and say I’ve lived here for years but I’ve never been in here,” Owner Beth Garbo said.
You’ve Got To Be Beading brings do-it-yourself jewelry making to Mystic with a twist. Rows upon rows of cases adorn the shop with jewelry making supplies including crystal, wood shell, glass, seed and resin beads tucked inside.
Garbo became interested in jewelry design about 15 years ago when she wanted to make a pair of earrings. She began slowly picking up jewelry making supplies every time she traveled until deciding to open a storefront in 2004 in Pawcatuck. After outgoing the place within a year she relocated to downtown Mystic in 2005 and has been there ever since.
“We like the synergy of Mystic,” Garbo said. “It’s very artsy and boutiquey. You’ve Got To Be Beading fits in well here and having our own parking is a huge asset.”
Today the store has evolved also selling accessories such as handbags and pashminas, teaching basic beading techniques and holding parties and most recently offering scrapbooking supplies.
“We’ve meet some wonderful people,” Garbo said. “We have a very devoted clientele and we’re very grateful.”
Garbo said the store has hosted birthday parties, wedding showers, had parents come in with their children to make something for teachers, had fathers come in with their children to make something for Mother’s Day, and even pet owners making jewelry for their dogs.
“It’s a great thing to do with your kids, your girlfriends, or just by yourself if you need some alone time,” Garbo said.
While Garbo has her own favorite products that she talks about in the video she said one of the most popular items are the Pandora charms.
“We like to focus on the specialty hard to find things,” Garbo said.
