BeWhat? BeWho? BeBuddha!

The Beginning.

My name is Erin. I recently came across this quote online >> ‘Create a vision that makes you want to jump out of bed.’ BeBuddhaJewelry is my vision.A lot of people ask me why I started this company. I didn’t study business in college, I never considered myself an ‘entrepreneur’, and frankly it’s a miracle if I can balance my own checkbook at the end of the month.

When I was a sophomore in college, wandering through the streets (and bars) of Madison, WI I discovered a bead store that reeked of patchouli, incense, and body odor. Naturally as any 19-year-old wannabe hippie stoner would be- I was intrigued. I picked up some basic tools and started making jewelry for myself. Pretty soon my friends and family started asking me to make them jewelry. While I was still in college my family was kind enough to host two jewelry shows for me, which were both, very successful…keep in mind this is WAY before BeBuddha existed.                                                                             

After I graduated with my degree in Italian & International Studies, I traveled the world for the next 2 years spending time in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia (read more about my adventures here- insert link). I stepped off the plane at O’Hare Airport in Chicago on February 26, 2013 with NO idea what I ‘wanted to be when I grew up’. Once the jetlag and the novelty of home cooked meals had worn off sheer panic set in. What was I doing? Where was I going? FUTURE. CAREER. SALARY. INSURANCE. BILLS. LOANS…BRAIN EXPLOSION :/

At the time I was working a few odd jobs, which resulted in lots of free time. I started getting organized. I ordered business cards, I started applying (and getting in) to art markets all over Chicagoland, I even applied for a business license- like who did I think I was, David Yurman?! Most markets were successful but I was quite literally a starving artist- thank god my parents let me eat their food and sleep in their house for free J-Thanks Mom and Dad! So, I got what I always dreaded- a full time job. All the while continuing to make and sell jewelry.The past 2 years have brought a lot of personal and familial struggle- BeBuddha has, in every sense, saved me from myself. When I am creating and designing my mind is buzzing, my thoughts are clear, and I am happy. The ‘I made this!’ sense of accomplishment and pride you felt as a kindergarten bringing home a finger-painting doesn’t go away as you age. It is at the very least my artistic self-expression and at the best my attempt to make the world a more colorful place. It is very humbling and scary to share my vision with the world- so world ya better like it! :P 

Always BeBold. BeBeautiful. BeBuddha. <3