I've been asked, over and over again, how La De Da came to be and now I have the perfect platform to tell that story.
Nine years ago my husband and I sold a business in Boise. It was a bit unexpected and left us wondering "what do we do now?" I had just had our second son and we decided to go to the Oregon Coast for a week to clear our heads and try to figure out our future.
If you know Oregon, you know you never can tell what the weather will do. Well it decided to rain most of the week. During my sons nap time I ventured down to the cute little historical area of Newport. Just a couple of blocks long, but jam packed with restaurants, shops and galleries. I found one little shop in particular that I just found fascinating. It was a small gallery with fine art, jewelry, fanciful birdhouses and near the back, a bin full of beads! In about a six foot space was a wooden box with dividers that held the most amazing beads. I was mesmerized! I was sucked in and two hours later I was still digging in the bin!
I went back the next day and did the same thing. This time I introduced myself to the owner, Nancy, and as I searched for beads I shared my story. That afternoon Nancy suggested I borrow a couple of tools for the night to mess around with the beads I had bought. She showed me a few techniques and off I went.
The next day I was anxious to show her what I had done! Nancy was thrilled that I was so into it and she fed into that excitement. Each night I borrowed her tools and made bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I'd bring them back each day to show her.
By the end of the week, Nancy and I seemed like old friends. On our last day I went in to thank her for everything. Learning to bead had saved the week from being just a rainy week at the beach. Before I left, Nancy said "You know Angie, I've been thinking, you picked this up really quick and seem to have an eye for design. Have you ever thought about making jewelry design your next career?"
I really hadn't thought about it at all. I knew I had really loved making jewelry that week but looked at it more as something fun to do in my spare time. Nancy proceeded to tell my about her daughter who had a very successful career as a designer. And that it was definitely doable! I left her gallery with the encouragement to start my own business and her suppliers to get it started.
I look back and see Nancy as my guardian angel who came along at just the right time to show me an alternative path I could take in my life.
On our eight hour drive home we passed a cute little town and on a banner was "La De Da" for an upcoming festival they have each summer. It was perfect! I loved the name, but more than that, it seemed to fit my new mentality. Everything that happens, happens for a reason. Be open to new ideas. And definitely be open to the signs that are shown to you. Life is meant to be lived......ladeda!
Nine years later my little business had become my career. I still love it as much as the first time I got sucked into the bead bin in Oregon. I've met amazing people on the way. I've found knowlegde, encouragement and support in the strangest places. It's been a real treat and it still continues......
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