Stringing up success
Emily Rose Pawlowicz and her mom and businesse partner, Pat
Colorful Creations Bead Company
Mother: Pat Pawlowicz
Daughter: Emily Rose Pawlowicz
Ages when launched business:
Emily Rose: 14; Pat: 48
Year business founded: 2005
Pat on the birth of the business concept: "It was Emily Rose's idea . she's had a very successful jewelry business since she was 12. I was behind her 100 percent [in this project]. She was very serious and did a lot of research herself.'
She's been on the ground floor . working with bankers, real estate agents and choosing the location. She chooses the inventory, keeps things re-stocked and also works as an instructor."
"I owned 'How Sweet It Is Bakery' [ in Hampden] and closed that business to open this shop."
Emily Rose on how she became interested in jewelrymaking: "My godmother, Sandy Merrill, teaches beading classes at senior centers and [my mom and I] had done a few beading classes together.
"When I was very little I used to go to craft fairs and sell key chains with beading on them. When I was 12 we [made and] sold a small stone pendant on a black silk chord which included a small card that gave the healing properties of the stone. It was very successful."
Pat on how the business got its name: "When Emily Rose was six she came up with the name 'Colorful Creations' so [the shop] had to be Colorful Creations."
Emily Rose on working with her Mom: "The easiest thing [about working with my mom] is that she's always behind me because she's my mom and she supports me. If I have a question, it's easier to ask her."
"The hardest thing is that if we disagree .we have to go home together."
Pat on working with her daughter: "Emily and I are very close . and she's very passionate about work. The hardest thing is, because of her age, remembering that she's still a kid and needs balance in her life. She needs time for a social life, family activities and alone time . all the things a well-balanced 16-year-old should have."
Colorful Creations Bead Company, specializing in beading supplies, classes and in-store birthday parties and events, is locates at 37 Harkness Avenue in East Longmeadow. Hours are: Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sun. noon- 5 p.m. Tel.525-2229 www.colorfulcreationsbeadcompany.com
