Meet Pam Porter of Beadalicious in Katy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Porter.

Pam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved costume jewelry and beads. I made necklaces in the 80’s. In 2004, my son’s girlfriend (now my daughter-in-law, Krista) hosted a jewelry/wine and cheese party. I purchased a few pieces for over $200 and I thought “I can do this”!

At the time, I didn’t have access to bead shops, so I went to Walmart and bought the findings to make earrings. I took apart some of my costume jewelry and on a Sunday afternoon, I made 12 pairs of earrings. I worked in the engineering and construction business as a Contract Administrator for 20 years.

On Monday morning, one of my co-workers came in to say good morning and I noticed she didn’t have any earrings on, and as luck would have it, I had made a pair of earrings the day before that matched her dress perfectly. She stepped away from her desk and I layed the earrings on her chair.

When she returned, she came around the corner and asked if I had put the earrings there. She asked where I had bought them and I said I had made them. Cubicles have no privacy, so a couple of other co-workers overheard and came around to my desk. They asked if I had any more. I took my little zip lock bags out and the 3 of them bought all 12 pair of earrings. Well, that was the beginning of my jewelry journey !!!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Except for some health issues in 2014 and just this year a knee replacement, I’ve been pretty consistent in my jewelry making. It’s so rewarding to create something that people want to wear.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Beadalicious – what should we know?
I am the sole employee of Beadalicious. When I’ve done craft shows, my husband Ron and daughter Alanna have helped me. I’ve done craft shows, The Brookwood Spring Extravaganza, Christmas Open Houses, private jewelry parties, plantation craft shows in Louisiana, a Bonfire Festival in Louisiana and more.

I’ve had my jewelry on consignment in several local shops, a boutique in Zachary, LA, the French Quarter in New Orleans and in an upmarket hair salon and spa in Oslo, Norway. (My husband Ron was spending 2 weeks a month in Oslo on business). I’ve made jewelry for several weddings as well. My specialties are necklaces, earrings, bracelets and key chains.

Most proud of? Return customers keep me going.

What sets me apart? Each piece is handmade and unique. I’ve bought beads from around the globe, including Italy, Africa, China, India, Mexico, Australia and the USA, of course. With every vacation that I’ve taken with my husband, not surprisingly, bead stores were part of the itinerary.

I am passionate and I take pride in every piece that I make. I have a return policy and if anything that I sell breaks, I will repair it at no cost to my customer. Most importantly, I want my customer to be happy.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We live in old town Katy. It’s country living only thirty miles from the Central Business District of the 4th largest city in America. I love the community spirit, with Katy High School having been State Champions 8 times.

Unfortunately, along with Katy’s growth, the traffic can sometimes be a challenge.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 713-825-3534
• Email: pamela_porter51@yahoo.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beadalicious-LLC-101618376649280/

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.