Life in Business: Island Edges Beads

Sharon Turner retired from being a high school theatre teacher in Arizona. Looking for something different and creative, she took a few classes in jewelry making.

A native of Phoenix, the single mom of two boys taught there for 26 years. In the early ‘80s she took a two-year leave of absence, taught speech for Maui Community College, and fell in love with the Islands, she says.

After moving to Hawai‘i 14 years ago, after having owned a house here for eight years before that, Sharon started selling her jewelry at craft shows and the newly-opened Kea‘au Village Market.  When people started asking her where she bought her beads, she found that there was a demand among other crafters for beads. In 2004 she opened a bead shop there two days a week. It was successful and three years later, needing more space, she opened Island Edges Beads in Hilo. The business outgrew its first location on Keawe Street and, after two years, moved down the street to its present location at 265 Keawe.

“I love the atmosphere in our shop,” Sharon says. “We get complements all the time from our customers.  It is tropical, relaxing, and just has some good vibes with all those beautiful beads from around the world surrounding us.”

The store attracts customers of all ages:  men, women, tourists, local artists, Big Island residents—long-time beaders and beginners, she says. “We don’t just sell beads. We enjoy getting to know our customers and I love helping them to discover a new talent! I am always ready to show someone how easy it is to create your own jewelry. Plus, I teach classes in wirework, art clay, silver and have some great guest instructors. Many of our first time beaders have gone on to sell their own creations.”

Now, with her son Garry’s help, the store is open five days a week. Garry had stayed in Maui, after moving there with the family, and then got his boat captain’s license, working as a captain for 26 years.

Sharon still sells her wirework jewelry and Garry has discovered his creative side and makes chain, glass beads and finished jewelry.

“His jewelry sells better than mine but nobody asks me ‘Where do you buy your beads?’ anymore!” she exclaimed.

Store location: 265 Keawe St,  in downtown Hilo

Phone: 808.935.3332

Email: islandedgesbeads@gmail.com