Phil Fischman surrounded by his unique offerings
September 2010 – What makes a small business thrive, not merely survive for two decades? Just ask the merchants who own Beads, Crystals and More. Next time you walk into the bead store tucked in the Lumberyard shopping center searching through the neat rows of various stones and all manner of hooks and clasps for your next project, remember that while the products may change, the level of quality and service remain consistent.
Thirteen years ago, Phil Fischman walked into a local bead store to purchase a small piece of hardware in order to complete a pair of earrings for his wife Valeri Okun. “That year I made her 43 pairs of earrings to celebrate our love and her 43rd birthday,” he said. “Amazingly, I ran out of ten-cent parts at 42 and a half pairs!”
What he found was a half-stocked store that was preparing to go out of business after 7 years. “Oh my,” exclaimed Fischman, “the Universe was talking and I was listening!
Coincidences like that don’t just happen.” The couple took a leap of faith and sunk every penny into purchasing the business. “We began to rebuild it with love and enthusiasm,” he said.
Apparently, their efforts have paid off ten-fold. Not only is Beads, Crystals and More a place where dedicated “beaders” come to stock up on supplies, but it also attracts sophisticated designers, collectors and the novice. While the majority of the clientele are from San Diego County, Fischman said it’s not unusual to have customers from Orange County, Los Angeles and Palm Springs come into the store. “We also have a great group of friends and customers from out of state or even overseas, who come to visit us each year as they vacation or visit the state,” he said.
Why trek that far for beads? “Some are coming for our specialty beads and high quality,
but all come for our free smiles and great service,” he said enthusiastically. “We love what we do and it shows. You can find ordinary anywhere without our help but people know they will find “special” here!”
The store is built on a philosophy of joyful abundance and gratitude according to Fischman. “Our business is truly built on love; love of each other, of each day, of our community, of the freedom and opportunity of owning a small business in a special community,” he said.
The store’s location and reputation as a community gathering place is crucial to it’s success. “Valeri and I are both now firmly entrenched in the Encinitas community and lifestyle,” Fischman said. “We’ve been homeowners and business owners in Encinitas for the past 20 years.”
“Encinitas is so peaceful, and friendly and creative and spiritual and neighborly!” Fischman exclaimed. “So many wonderful folks have encouraged us and supported our business. We truly love what we do, where we do it and we love serving our customers with a big friendly smile.”
So the next time you’re making that unique gift for a special someone or hunting for fossilized sharks’ teeth or just want to satisfy your curiosity about the treasures within Beads, Crystals and More, stop by. You’re sure to get more than your expected and leave with a smile.
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