Macon’s Own Jewelry Pioneer: Betsy Pittard Chains Together a Passion for Beading!
Welcome to the vibrant world of Macon, Georgia, where creativity and entrepreneurial spirit collide in the most dazzling way! Meet Betsy Pittard, a shining star in the jewelry industry, whose journey began when she was just a teenager. At the tender age of 16, Betsy took on a small after-school gig at a local DIY jewelry bead shop, little did she know that this could change the course of her life!
From Bead to Business: A Charming Transformation
Initially, Betsy was simply looking to make a little extra cash to fund her teenage adventures. However, she faced a delightful challenge – either learn how to bead or seek another job. Betsy embraced the challenge, “I learned the technique and worked at the store throughout high school,” she reminisces.
After finishing high school, it was off to the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens for Betsy. Armed with a business license, which she admits was more of a formality at the time, she began crafting jewelry in her dorm room for friends. But wait, there’s more! With a gentle nudge from her sister, Betsy stepped out of her comfort zone and showcased her creations at a new shoe store opening back in Macon. Can you believe it? “They say I walked in holding a picture frame. And I was just like, ‘Hey, do you want to buy my jewelry?’ And the owner bought everything that day except for one bracelet!” she beams with pride.
Growing Popularity and Embracing Opportunity
Fast forward 15 years, and Betsy’s jewelry business is shimmering and thriving, stretching its creative grip across more than 50 shops in the Southeast! Living in the Augusta area now, she’s taken full advantage of online merchandising opportunities, connecting with customers far and wide. “I’ve recently hooked up with Faire, the wholesale website, and I’ve been getting a lot of stores through them, which is wonderful,” she shares.
Betsy has her finger on the pulse of what people want, but with a twist! “I don’t study trends. I make what I like,” she confidently insists. Shifting her palette these days, she’s leaning towards more neutral colors, stating that customers are often more inclined to choose cream necklaces over eye-popping bright pink ones. Smart lady!
The Excitement of Fall Designs
As the leaves turn this fall, Betsy is positively buzzing about her latest designs, especially for UGA fans! With charm necklaces featuring school spirit—think UGA, bulldogs, and helmets—she knows just how to tap into her local pride. “It’s definitely just a thing you wear for football season. But, if you are a Georgia fan, you’re going to want one!” she laughs.
Some of her absolute favorite pieces include the stunning coin necklaces like the Beethoven ($48) and the delightful Edgar ($38). And how could she forget the showstopper, the Danbury? It’s a striking $78 piece that truly makes a statement!
Betsy tries to keep her creations under $100, although she notes that the use of gemstones can cause prices to rise a bit. Interested in snagging some of these gorgeous accessories? You can find her pieces at charming local spots like Swank, Soho, and the Ivy in Augusta. Or hop online at shopbetsypittarddesigns.com and use code THANKS20 for 20% off your next purchase! How awesome is that?
A Bright Future Ahead
Betsy Pittard’s journey from a small DIY bead shop to a well-recognized name in jewelry design is a heartwarming testament to passion and creativity. With each piece she crafts, she continues to sparkle and inspire those around her. Keep an eye on this Macon gem—there’s no telling how much brighter her future can get!
