Diana Herring-Stark and Caron Stajduhar met when their daughters were in a Brownie troop together at Summit View Elementary School.

The pair didn't know they would become business partners. Now their oldest daughters are college age and the shop the women started six years ago is a colorful tribute to beads and their possibilities. Their friendship blossomed when they took the girls on outings that included trips to bead stores.

"We weren't that close at the time, but we knew the other was the kind of person who does what she says she'll do," said Stajduhar.

Now, their paths cross every day as owners of String Beads, a retail shop that sells beads of every size, shape and color. The walls glow with strands of beads and layers of open drawers that hold smaller beads.

Customers study the array of selections or are seated at the S-shaped bead bar to work on a personal bead project.

Stark said, "It took us awhile to figure out our roles at the store, but Caron and I are a great match. We have great respect for each other, which I find very important."

Even though Stajduhar admitted she lives three minutes from the store, Stark is usually the first one to arrive. She opens the store, checks the lights, climate control, cash drawer and pays the bills.

"I check the calendar to see if we have classes scheduled or if any parties are planned or if school groups are coming," Stark said.

Both women have experience working retail. Stajduhar, a native of St. Louis, worked at Neiman Marcus in Houston and The Gap in Denver. Stark, who hails from Omaha, Ne., also owns the Cozy Sheepskin store in Park Meadows Mall.

They agreed their strengths balance each other.

Stajduhar said, "I'm the funky bead girl, Diana is more classic."

Stark concurred.

"I am stronger analytically and Caron is strong creatively. I have a degree in social work, but have been in retail for 25 years. I think the best part of the business is the customers. I love to help our loyal customers as well as make a new friend."

As customers steadily streamed into the store June 5, Stajduhar took a phone reservation from a parent interested in one of the bead camps they offer during the summer. She moved easily from one end of the store to the other and talked rapidly.

Stajduhar said, "People come in here for fun. It's a fun environment. It feels vibrant," Stajduhar said.

She showed off the party room, where kids come for bead camps or birthday parties.

Stajduhar recalled a Saturday when a customer said she needed bridal jewelry for herself and her bridesmaids.

"'Oh, that's wonderful,' I thought," Stajduhar said. "When she told me the wedding was that day at 3 p.m. I almost fainted." said Stajduhar.
"But she reassured us, 'Don't worry; they won't start without me.' The wedding was at her home, but we were still astounded that she was so calm."

String Beads
www.stringbeadsinc.com
720-344-3419
9555 S. University Blvd.
Highlands Ranch, 80126