Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Ramirez.
Hi Kennedy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2023, I left my ten-year career at Costco Wholesale to become a stay-at-home mama to my daughter. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and stumbled upon jewelry making/ beading.
Originally from San Diego, CA—where I ran a cake pop business called It’s Pop O’Clock. When my husband was stationed here on the East Coast, we left behind our family, friends, and my small business, but it didn’t take long for the Atlantic to feel like home. We fell in love with this area instantly—there was just one thing missing: my small business.
Fast forward to a girls’ night at the Jonas Brothers concert (end of 2023) where I made cute bracelet stacks for my girlfriends and I; strangers were commenting on our stacks. I loved the trend, but knew I had to put my own coastal spin on it to offer other places. And just like that, Beachy Beads was born. I worked at home for the next few weeks gathering more supplies and a set-up for my first pop-up market just a week before Christmas.
I never imagined it would grow into what it is today, and for that I’m forever grateful. Now, having product in 9 local retail stores, shipping product to 42/50 states, and being named #1 Jeweler in Topsail Island Magazine has been absolutely incredible. I am just getting started and not stopping anytime soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I truly can’t complain. The road to success with Beachy Beads has been challenging; it hasn’t been all butterflies and rainbows, but the challenges haven’t been world-stopping either. Most challenges are internal, meaning that creating from home is not ideal with a toddler running around. At one point, I bought a vintage trailer thinking it would be ultra successful at markets, just to find out it wasn’t, etc. BUT all of these challenges are more than manageable; Beachy Beads is growing every day, and for that I cannot complain.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Beachy Beads is a coastal cowgirl vibe. Being from the West Coast and now living on the East Coast, I’ve learned that most women resonate with either a coastal ocean vibe or a cowgirl western vibe. I do both, so I wanted to create trending products that are suitable for all women (even men)! I definitely specialize in beaded stretch bracelets, offering a “build your own stack” in person where customers can choose individual bracelets to stack together and curate their own accessories. But I am also known for the e-commerce side of my business. Custom bracelet stacks that I curate exactly for someone. They message me on social media or email me, and we converse over what they’re looking for, their style, words or letters they’d like on the bracelets, etc.
I am most proud of the community connections I have made. Going from socializing every day at my previous career to staying home with a newborn was a huge adjustment. Owning and operating Beachy Beads has allowed me to be overly involved in our community, make connections, and even make friends along the way. There isn’t a day I go out in town and don’t see someone I know through beads; that makes me proud.
What sets me apart from other jewelers or businesses in the area is the custom curation of bracelets for my customers. They can pick out every single bead on their bracelets; that makes it special for them and for me since they are one-of-a-kind. I would also say my prices set me apart. I keep my cost of goods down, which allows me to keep the lowest prices possible for my customers. I always told myself I started this business “because everyone deserves a treat”, and I wasn’t expecting to make millions on beaded bracelets. I still hold that standard today.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is literally the best lifeline for a small business. Creating relationships with your surrounding community is so important. Being kind and authentically interested in others’ businesses helps create those relationships. You have to be willing to go out of your way for others so they do the same for you.
What has worked well for me in creating relationships with other businesses in the area, whether they are brick & mortar or e-commerce-based businesses, is simple kindness. At one of my first pop-ups, I met another woman who owns a business locally, Amy. She has a very successful company, and she showed me so much kindness. I will never forget the confidence she gave me as a new business owner. I have always strived to be an ‘Amy’ to the next person.
Pricing:
- Bracelets start at $5/ custom
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beachybeadsnc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachybeads_nc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beachybeadsnc
