Hi there,

We are Gem & Bead Mall of Mesa, that is, I own the store, I, Monika, and my husband Jim helps, along with a few other people whom I will mention here. I know you’d want to know.

Jim is an engineer, he knows about handyman stuff and computers and all the things I refuse to want to know about because they just clutter up my brain.

Judi is my manager. She knows a lot about lapidary and beading and semiprecious stones and people.

Renee works for me a few hours a week and she knows a lot too. Renee knows about beading and stones and belly dancing and tropical birds. She’s a sweet old lady and a little hard of hearing, so please be patient with her.

My daughter, Sophia, joined our team over a year ago, and wants to learn about the business. She knows a lot about customer service, some about beading, and wants to learn about gem stones and appraising jewelry.

Kathy is a retired English teacher and she teaches beading here at the store. She knows a lot about seed beads, and I mean a lot. She loves teaching and beading and her favorite styles are free form peyote stitch and Shibori bead embroidery. But she teaches just about anything that has to do with seed beads.

Albina is originally from Russia and has a degree in phys ed. She likes to play with wire and is a published artist and taught at the Tucson Gem Show for years. Lucky for us she teaches here at the store as well and she knows a LOT about wire wrapping.

I, myself, am an old lady too, but not as old as Renee. I don’t know so much but together we know a tremendous amount and we like to pass on that knowledge. So if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. We may not have all the answers but we can always make on up if that suits you ;)