A creative hobby that turned into a creative passion turned into a creative lifestyle that fostered a creative job and ultimately a creative enterprise that continues to grow exponentially. Such is the story of Sonja Podjan.
Sonja Podjan will be the first to admit that she has always been a very creative sort of person. She started crafting with beads nearly 30 years ago…around 1992. As a result, creating beaded necklaces, bracelets, and all manner of jewelry became her passion.
Sonja created many elaborate designs, and actually authored & published 3 books about beading projects, with unique patterns, including one pattern published in Bead & Button magazine, a national publication. She also worked in a local bead store for a time just to feed her beading habit. When that local bead store closed up shop, out of Sonja’s own necessity The Enchanted Bead was born.
It was in April of 2011 that The Enchanted Bead began in a cute, but small, “she-shed” on her Blueberry Farm in Watervliet, custom built by her husband Larry, complete with stained glass panels. It was only about 160 square feet, and space was tight- but there were plenty of beads inside, plus tools, supplies, and jewelry.
The Enchanted Bead grew slowly but surely over the last decade, and hosted an annual outside Trunk Show every summer in June, complete with fresh inventory under multiple tents, with beaders from as far as Valparaiso attending, staying around for hours on end. Eventually, The Enchanted Bead grew to the point where it could grow no more without moving to a larger location.
Last month, in February of 2021, Sonja Podjan and The Enchanted Bead made the leap to downtown Coloma to a 1,250+ sq. ft. space with plenty of room to grow. Teaming up with Lori Coleman and Trial By Stone, she has created a unique and special shopping experience for beaders, beaded jewelry lovers, and artisans alike. The new shop is directly across from the popular Loma Theater.
Upon entering, your eyes will be truly “enchanted” by the incredible selection of beads, colors, charms and shapes- described by many as “simply breathtaking!” There is a solid offering of “findings & windings”– supplies, chain, cord, fittings, clasps, tools, patterns- virtually anything you could need to undertake a serious beading project.
The new store is now anchored at 222 N. Paw Paw Street in the heart of downtown Coloma. Bead offerings include:
- Czech and Japanese seed beads
- Delica beads
- 2-, 3-, and 4-hole beads
- Stone and semi-precious beads
- Shell and bone beads
- Freshwater pearls
- Fire polish
- Glass pearls
- Crystals
- Wire wrapping supplies
- Stringing materials
- Charms and filigree
- Buttons and findings
You will also find finished jewelry and gifts including fine woodworking pieces and stained glass, all by local artisans.
The Enchanted Bead is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays 12 noon to 5 pm. You can also find them on Facebook at the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Enchanted-Bead-273910385956463
They are also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/enchantedbeadlady/ or you can shop online at http://theenchantedbead.net
