From beads to treasured creations: the making of Split Studio

I’ve always enjoyed the zen of crafting with my hands, and during the pandemic, I experimented with various arts, including bead weaving, which I started learning in 2021. I was drawn to this craft for its meditative quality and its flexibility; I could weave while watching TV or relaxing by the pool. This hobby became a form of expression that allowed me to create unique patterns and pieces, such as bags and wallets, which I gifted to friends.

One evening, I designed a wallet using leftover wooden beads, a creation that intuitively took shape. This wallet garnered attention every time I used it, sparking interest from diverse groups of people. Inspired by this, and with more space in my Chicago home compared to my New York apartment, I felt motivated to pursue this craft more seriously.

I committed to developing a distinct style and collection for these beaded items. After months of experimenting with designs and colors, I assembled a collection that felt complete. Realizing I had the makings of a business, I named it Split Studio and launched it in November 2023. It’s a fresh venture that’s just beginning to make its mark.

In my work at Split, I have a great time selecting beads and dreaming up new color combinations. I mostly use acrylic beads for practicality—they’re super light, affordable, and perfect for creating sizable bags that don’t weigh you down. Even though these beads are pretty standard and widely used, there’s something special about making them my own.

I remember being inspired by this one brand in New York. They’ve been crafting bags from these beads for a decade, even showcasing them at Fashion Week, which is pretty cool! It goes to show how you can take something simple and elevate it to high fashion.

For my pieces, it’s interesting because there’s one main supplier that everyone uses, so we’re all choosing from the same catalog of colors. This limitation actually sparks my creativity; I love to see how I can push the boundaries within these constraints.

My first collection has this neat argyle and plaid vibe, using both clear and opaque beads to play with patterns and depth. I’m also tinkering with a new set that’s not out yet, where I play with colors side by side on the color wheel, creating this beautiful gradient effect—think of it as a visual melody from one hue to the next.

Plus, I’m experimenting with wooden beads. They come in such rich, natural shades that they’ve got me brainstorming all sorts of new ideas for future collections. It’s so fulfilling to work out the patterns and decide on the color schemes, like I’m weaving a story with each piece I create.

Pricing my handmade products at Split Studio is a delicate balance. I weigh my time, effort, and creativity against market trends and competitive pricing, asking myself, «How long does each piece take to create, and what direction do I see for my brand?»

When I decided to sell my creations, I began with three products: a card holder, wallet, and shoulder bag. Pricing these items stirred quite a bit of thought. On one hand, I see similar bags on platforms like Etsy sold for next to nothing, which doesn’t honor the maker’s time. On the other hand, there’s a New York brand pricing similar bags around $500, which feels steep and less accessible.

I aim for a middle ground. Using materials like fishing line and acrylic beads might come across as inexpensive or even childish due to their playful colors. But their transformation through handcrafting, the careful selection of colors, and the design work elevate them to something of higher value. The time investment alone—for a card holder, it’s about an hour, a wallet takes two, and a bag can take six if I’m quick—warrants fair pricing.

My approach to pricing also reflects my view on consumption. I’m a small brand, but sustainability matters to me. Underpricing goods, especially when made from non-recyclable materials, can undervalue them and lead to wasteful consumer practices. I want my pieces to be seen as art, treasures to be kept and cherished, possibly handed down rather than discarded.

This mindset extends to design. I strive to create items that are not just whimsical playthings but sophisticated accents for an adult’s wardrobe—like a pop of color that brings joy to the everyday. Interestingly, my neutral colorways are the most popular, indicating a desire for items that blend seamlessly with a mature, sophisticated style.
As for the pricing, I keep an open mind. If the need arises to adjust them, I will. The flexibility to do this is vital—it ensures the brand remains fluid and true to my vision.

My priority isn’t to scale up to mass production or to inflate prices. The joy lies in the crafting, the personal touch of the artist’s hand. Keeping production small, for now, is a choice that keeps the process joyful and authentic to the ethos of Split Studio.

As for inspiration and reaching my customers, it’s all a creative journey that I’m still exploring. Right now, my customers are mainly friends of friends and people who approach me after spotting one of my pieces. Each compliment and question is a chance to hand out a business card, growing my brand organically. I dream of stocking my products in Chicago stores and beyond, but I’m taking my time with wholesale due to the hands-on nature of my work.

My brand’s growth feels natural and unforced, which I find liberating. It’s not about speed but about authenticity and enjoying the process. The pieces I create are a reflection of this ethos. Although I’ve been in the jewelry business before, I’m now drawn to the uniqueness of beaded wallets and bags. They stand out as distinctive and adult-appropriate, which people notice and appreciate. That validation is a wonderful affirmation that I’m on the right track.

Looking ahead, I’m playing with the idea of expanding into home accessories, like vases wrapped in bead-weaving, which blend art with function. It’s a new way to express creativity and offer pieces that are not just decorative but also utilitarian.

As for the brand itself, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with a talented graphic designer friend who helped crystallize my vision. Together, we’ve crafted a brand identity that’s simple yet colorful, with room to evolve.

In packaging, I’ve chosen to mirror the brand’s philosophy: straightforward and eco-friendly. Using craft paper and simple black and white designs, I ensure the focus remains on the vibrant products themselves. This minimalist approach avoids unnecessary waste, which aligns with my values against excess.

My customer base is still taking shape, and I’m excited to see how it grows. As for reaching them, I’m relying on the organic buzz and word of mouth for now. It’s a small world I’m crafting, one that straddles the line between art and commercialism, and I’m embracing this balance as Split Studio’s heart and soul.

Balancing this with a full-time job means keeping everything in proportion and maintaining the joy in what I do. In the past, I put immense pressure on my creative endeavors to be financially successful. Now, I understand the importance of allowing my craft to be my sanctuary—a source of peace and fulfillment, not stress.

I’m content to let Split grow organically, at its own pace. My aim is for it to remain something that brings me and others joy, without the need for it to become bigger than what I can cherish and manage. It’s a creative outlet, a place for self-expression, and I intend to keep it as a cherished part of my life.

For Split Studio, the future is open-ended and filled with potential. I’ve just launched it, and while I’m considering some changes already, I’m focused on organic growth. My decisions now, especially around pricing and presentation, will guide the brand’s direction. I see Split Studio evolving naturally over the next few years, finding its place among those who value unique, handcrafted art.

Starting your own venture is an exciting journey, and if I could offer a piece of advice, it would be to stay true to yourself and your unique vision. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with images and brands—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In such a world, the temptation to imitate what appears successful can be strong.

However, chasing someone else’s vision or diluting your own to make it more marketable can lead you astray. Authenticity in your aesthetic is invaluable; it’s what sets you apart from the crowd. If you’re going to invest your time and energy into creating something, make sure it reflects what’s truly important to you. Even if there are similar ideas out there, your personal touch will make yours stand out.

And remember, if your vision initially confuses people or they haven’t seen anything like it before, that’s often a good sign. It means you’re on the right track, offering something new and needed. Stay confident in your vision, even if it takes others some time to understand its value.

Not everyone will be your customer, and that’s perfectly okay. Every brand isn’t for everyone, and that’s what helps define your specific audience—the people who will truly appreciate and champion your work. You don’t need universal approval; you just need a community of supporters who believe in what you’re doing.

So keep faith in your unique perspective and continue to create from a place that feels right to you. This is what makes your work not just a business, but a true expression of art.