Our Story...Chapter 1 & Bio
The Problem:
Going
out with my husband...as usual I couldn't decide which earrings
to wear, "This pair Honey?" By the 10th pair he was
driven to distraction...lost earring, tangled pairs, bent one...darn!
The Idea:
Next
morning I decided to solve the problem. Headed to the hardware-lumber
store. Voila! earring and jewelry stand.
The Support:
My
Birthday party, Yeah! Showed it to my friends. They liked it
so much that they put in orders for themselves as presents for
wives, relatives, and friends. They even offered to pay! Wow!
With a helping hand from my husband and a little fine tuning,
we were in business. We took our show on the road: craft shows,
festivals, stores ... hey, if our friends would pay...
The Evolution:
We
needed jewelry to cover the stands, so Designs by
and 
was born, our unique line of handmade sterling-silver and stone jewelry
. The stands are
now dual purpose: personal and commercial. In either case, the
stands can hang, stand, stack or pack for travel. With the mesh
there is no worry of lost earrings, tangles, scratches, or dents.
After a sale we fill the empty spaces, and boom ... inventory
is done. Personally, now that my jewelry is organized I have
room for more ... not bad.
The Patent:
We
did so well our few shows, due to our family, friends and customers,
and customers who became friends, we decided to go for a patent.
Whoa! ... that's another story ...
The Name:
Sitting
in my office trying to think of a name, and getting nowhere ...
I watched the ease with which a squirrel gathered "her"
treasures ... Eureka!!! I, like most woman, gather and store earrings
every chance I get. Such excuses as special occasions, non-occasions,
any occasion will do. So it is with thanks to necessity, our
friends, and that squirrel, we present:
Bio
Jim, Maggie & Helen
Helen's first love is horses. She has been teaching riding
for over 20 years, having earned her certification as a Horsemaster,
as well as her riding instructor's license. She also teaches
yoga to all age groups, riders and non-equestrians alike. As
a jewelry designer, she brings her love of nature and simplicity
to create one of a kind, elegant pieces, letting the stones and
designs speak for themselves. Her jewelry makes a statement not
an impact, enhancing the woman who wears it rather than distracting
from her. Helen also enjoys free hand painting the small designs on the Squirrel-Eze,
as well as writing "The Artisans Corner" articles for her local
newspaper.
The demand for Squirrel-Eze has grown such that her husband
Jim, who has a passion for woodworking has come on board full
time to meet with production needs as well as their busy show
schedule. Jim is also a fine silver smith with his own unique
sense of style and design. Jim hiked the Appalacian Trail from
Georgia to Maine and his designs capture his bold and dynamic
style.
Helen's mother Maggie helps with shipping, shows and sales.
Helen's father, the late Bill Yetman, was the Virginia sales representative
for Squirrel-Eze.
Bill
It is truly a grass roots family business! We thank you for
your interest and support.
- Helen and Jim
