Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Roach.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started as a small jewelry designer located in rural Pennsylvania, Mars PA. The original name of the shop was just simply “The Bead Store” it was located in a back room of a local coffee shop. I was open for 2 years at that spot. I then moved to a larger spot in the same town of Mars, PA and the shops name changed to Mars Beads. I remained at that location for 5 years. In 2012 we decided to move to Austin, and take Mars Beads with us. I reopened Mars Beads in 2013 in Lohman’s Plaza in Lakeway and then spent the next five years there getting to know my local customers.
After 5 years in Lakeway we once again decided to move. We relocated to 290 in Dripping Springs at this time we decided to expand into vinyl under the name of Fourth Rock Records and to add a local art gallery named 2Moons Art Loft . We stay in that location for 6 years, and now have again moved to 26550 Ranch Road 12 (Oak Creek Plaza) in Dripping Springs. We also have renamed the entire shop The Shops at Mars Beads.
We still have Fourth Rock and 2Moons offerings under The Shops at Mars Beads name. We offer beaded jewelry repair, custom designed jewelry, classes, also locals can come in and make and take, buy retail beads, or just hang out. We also feature local artist such as Val Mayerick who created Howard the Duck , Casey, Craig, and Starlia Phillips just to mention a few of our awesome artist whos works are available for sale at the shop. We have decent collection of new a used records under the Fourth Rock Umbrella. We also feature free in store music once a month and are dedicated to supporting our local artist community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I started beading due to having Autoimmune disorders that prevent me from working a normal job. I have struggled through many hospital stays and surgeries. Beading and the store has given me purpose.
Also, 2019 we took a second lease to expand the store . We signed right before COVID and we were due to start paying in February of 2020. Our landlord was kind enough to let us pause for 3 months to see if we could survive the shutdown. Luckily, we did. We sold records online, and I offered Zoom Classes until we could resume normal operation.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I was a Network Engineer before opening the store. I only found my artistic side after I started beading.
I love a challenge, and love to figure new ideas on how to design jewelry, also teaching and sharing ideas is a passion.
I try very hard to make sure everyone feels welcome and enjoys there time in the store.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I kept to myself a lot, and did not feel I fitted in with the popular crowd. I worked very hard at a young age to make money and move up in the world.
I love nature, beach combing and fishing. I like to discover new things.
Most importantly I like to stay busy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopsatmarsbeads.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marsbeads
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marsbeadsnews
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shopsatmarsbeads
