Rebecca Combs and Richard Swanborg did not know each other when they moved to Tucson in 2006. Three years later, they're not only married but they're also co-owners of a new bead store in Oro Valley.
Design & Adorn Beading Studio opened last September in a shopping center on the southeast corner of North Oracle and West Magee roads.
"This is a really vibrant plaza," Combs said. "It's a great place to get cross traffic from other businesses."
Swanborg, 26, moved to Tucson after finding a mechanical engineering position with a local company.
Later that year Combs, 27, was hired as a substitute teacher for Tucson Unified School District and later enrolled at the University of Arizona to pursue a master's degree in German studies. The pair met through an online dating service and married last April.
People are also reading…
"I decided I didn't want to continue studying German and I've always wanted to go into business," Combs said. She approached her parents with the idea of opening a second store — they already owned the Loris Variety Beading Studio in Loris, S.C.
Combs, Swanborg and Combs' parents, Alice and Marcus Combs, formed Design & Adorn LLC., last June.
"I've always liked being creative. I did a lot of jewelry making when I was younger," Combs said. "I learned basic stringing and stitches from my mom."
The couple signed the lease in July. Working in retail and beading are all new experiences for Swanborg.
"I was surprised at how much work was involved," Swanborg said about setting up the store, which included ripping up the carpeting, installing a faux bamboo floor and painting, not to mention ordering and pricing the inventory.
Swanborg teaches classes and helps out part-time.
"I look at beading as a mathematical type thing," he said. "It's a lot of fun. I like teaching the new techniques."
On a recent Thursday afternoon, 10 customers awaiting the start of a lecture wandered through the store.
One, Oro Valley resident Barbara Volk, 59 took up beading as a hobby after her first class at the store.
"They have a good selection but it's not overwhelming," she said. "The staff is extremely helpful."
"I'm looking for a hobby so I can enjoy my time at home doing something creative," customer Marcela Keys said. "I want to learn how to work with crystals."
Combs said if a customer pays $15 to reserve a spot in an upcoming class, the customer will receive the same amount in supply credit, making the instruction essentially free.
"Beading is a great summertime activity. It's indoors and when you're done you have something to wear," Combs said.
A bead on creativity
What: Design & Adorn Beading Studio.
Where: 7862 N. Oracle Road.
Phone: 395-2191.
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
Prices: Classes start at $15.
