Once Upon a Time...

Posted by Lisa Applegate on

Hello!  My name is Lisa Applegate and I just wanted to share a bit about myself with you.  I am a self-taught artist and designer.  I have always had a love for art and beautiful things.  I am always looking for ways to challenge myself creatively.  I began beading approximately 20 years ago and immediately fell in love with it.  if you are an avid beader, I think you will be able to identify with this next statement.  Soon after I began beading I quickly discovered that there were actually several hobbies entwined in one.  The first being the actual collection of the materials.  I mean after all you can never have enough beads and materials.  Right?  It just never fails, you are in the middle of creating something and then you realize after combing through your collection you just don't have exactly what you are looking for after all.  So what do you do?  Oh silly, the answer is simple you head over to the bead store to buy more schtuff!  After all, I once heard that she who has the most beads when she dies wins!  Wins what?  I am not sure but, challenge accepted!  Second, after you begin collecting all those lovely beads you will need to develop an organization system and then systems on organization for your organization system!  Right?  And, of course, lets not forget there is always the actual hobby of creating and designing jewelry.  I am not sure if my first love was collecting, organizing or designing but, I must admit I love it all!

After 30 years working as an Executive Assistant and Paralegal it was time for me to depart the corporate world.  I was bored and ready for more.  I wasn't sure what "more" was but, it certainly wasn't what I was doing.  I began discussing a career change and during my discussion I recall hearing these words, "Life is too short!".  Wow!  How many times have you heard that statement?  I know I have heard it quite often but, it was on that very day that it seemed to matter most.  I was quickly approaching 50 and realized that there was so much more I wanted out of my life and let's face it I wasn't getting any younger.  I can remember that moment like it was yesterday.

Well, I am here to tell you that dreams actually do come true!  Sometimes we don't actually believe in ourselves as much as others do and we need a little push or maybe even a shove off of a cliff!  I am very fortunate, in that, I have an exceptionally supportive husband and one who has always pushed me to reach outside of my comfort zone.  I am not a risk taker and the thought of opening a brick and mortar shop was unimaginable for me.  Of course, all of my first thoughts were beginning with "what if . . ." and he said, "in life we will always be surrounded by opportunities we will pass up if we can't get over the fact that the worst thing that could happen is that we don't succeed and need to try again".  The truth is you really won't know what life has in store for you until you step out of your comfort zone and go where you have never gone before.  He was right (Shhhh! Don't tell him that I said that because he will never let me forget it!).  I am grateful for his persistence.  I love what I am doing and so grateful for this opportunity. 

More than anything, I think the best part of our day is meeting so many interesting and talented artists.  Thank you for being a part of our success!  We are looking forward to serving the beading community for years to come.

Remember, believe in yourself!  Let life take you where you have always dreamed of going and don't give in to all the "what ifs" as life is just too darn short!

The name for Studio 36 is inspired by our house number.  The place where it all began.

Studio 36 Bead Shop & Artisans Gallery is a full-service boutique bead shop nestled in historic downtown Pottstown offering beautiful Czech glass beads, hand-painted lucite flowers, Delicas, seed beads, tools & gadgets, wire, silk & gorgeous fibers, lampwork beads, artisan components, kits, trunk shows, classes, parties for adults, children & scouts, jewelry repair and so much more!

We also carry beautiful hand-painted treasures, photography, jewelry and amazing handcrafted one-of-a-kind gifts including conversational Steampunk style lamps created by my husband, Jack.  There is a story behind each piece so be sure to ask when you stop in.

Thanks for supporting our small business!

Lisa & Jack


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