Asha Barnett initially started handmaking jewellery for personal therapeutic reasons, but when people began admiring some of her work, she decided to launch a small business.

‘Beadshack246’ offers beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings made with semi-precious gemstones. Clients can also order a custom piece inspired by their favourite colour or to match an outfit.

Asha prides herself on making each piece stand out from the next, and aims to continue pushing herself to create jewellery that is eye-catching and desirable.

Yello asked Asha to tell us more about herself and her business.

Describe yourself in one sentence. 

I am self-motivated, outgoing and ready to face any challenge which life presents.

Please tell us a bit about your background.

I’ve lived in Bush Hall for most of my life. My schooling was at Lawrence T Gay Primary and Lester Vaughn Secondary.

I remember learning to ride my bicycle, and I loved attending Summer Camp at the community centre, which is where I was first introduced to creativity with arts and crafts.

As a young adult, I also spent eight months working in Canada in the service industry.

Were you always a creative person? 

I did visual arts at secondary school and fashion design at BCC (Barbados Community College). I also modelled for a photographer in my spare time.

What were your initial career plans?

To become a fashion designer.

Why / when did you start making jewellery? 

I started making jewellery for therapeutic reasons. I put some of my pieces on social media, and interest in them picked up from there.

What was the first piece you made? 

A bracelet made from cord and semi-precious beads.

Please tell us about your business Beadshack246? 

The business was started in 2019. I created the Beadshack246 page on Instagram to display the pieces and allow customers the ability to contact me and place orders.

What was the biggest challenge you faced starting the business? How did you overcome it?

Organising my time as I do my best to make all my pieces as unique as possible. Documenting my work helps me to keep the pieces looking fresh.

Where do you get inspiration from for your designs? 

I love fashion. I create to match customers’ requests like their favourite colours or to match a particular outfit.

What materials do you enjoy working with?

I love to work with semi-precious beads and crystals, Chinese knotting cord, and macramé.

Who are your customers? How do they find you?

My customers are varied. They find me through my social media pages, through referrals and word of mouth. 

What plans do you have to grow the business over the next 12-18 months?

I want to follow trends in fashion. I want to be mindful of what my clients are expecting and surpass their expectations.

What advice do you have for aspiring small business owners?

Document where you were, where you are, and where you want to be. Reinvest in your company and yourself. Make sure that what you are doing is something that you love.

And lastly, do your best.

What are three things you love the most about Barbados? 

The weather, the beaches and the food.

If you could go back 10-15 years and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would you say? 

I would advise myself to delve more into what I love because art and fashion are what make me feel good about life.

What is your philosophy in life? 

Be true to yourself. Give of your best no matter what.

—

Order Asha’s Beadshack246 jewellery via Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/beadshack246/