My name is Cynthia Merritt and I’d like to tell you the story of Blue Indigo.  Bonnie Evertson, an accomplished jewelry creator, realized there was a need for a local bead store.  She opened Blue Indigo in July, 2005 in Harlingen, Texas hoping to serve beaders in the Rio Grande Valley.  As she anticipated, the need was here and Blue Indigo prospered.  But, she and her husband Stan had the opportunity to move back home to Dallas and decided to sell the store.

I was a happy customer who appreciated a convenient, local bead stop.  I had gotten to know Bonnie and Stan so I was sorry to see them move but I was tickled to know the shop had been sold and would still be here for me to pop in.  On July 3 rd, 2006 I stopped in to greet the new owners and, of course to buy some beads.  But, Bonnie and Stan were packing up as the buyer had changed her mind.  I live in Raymondville and all I could think about was having to drive 40 or 50 miles for beads and supplies.   Bummer!

Stan suggested I buy the shop and I laughed.  I had never even worked in any kind of shop and didn’t have a clue how to use a cash register.  I was so rattled, I left the store without buying a thing.  

My son called to say he was coming down for the 4 th of July and when I told him my bead shop was closing he just said “buy it Mom.” That night we met with the Evertson’s, did alot of praying and soul searching on July 4th and bought Blue Indigo on July 5 th.  What had I done?

Blue Indigo opened the next day.  Luckily, Chris Digiorgio stayed with the shop.  She taught me the ropes (or should I say wire) of running a bead shop but she moved to Houston seven months later.  We miss her so much and could never have opened without her.  

Two and a half years later, we’re still growing.  We moved to a darling new space across the street in July 2007.  Every month, we have more beads and supplies and every day new people join the regulars at our cozy little shop.  We offer classes and good advice and practical, creative help along the way.  My mom, Olga, is here most days and everyone agrees she’s the sweetest addition to Blue Indigo.   Everyone calls her Mom and she is well loved.  I truly appreciate how organized she is.  We're both creative but she's tidy.  Come see her beautiful carved ducks on display.  Amazing!

So that’s our story of Blue Indigo.  We're proud to offer premium beads and findings, tools, stringing materials and classes.  Come visit us, see all we have and get to know us (and Priscillo the parakeet – that’s another story).  We'll help you create beautiful jewelry for yourself or your friends at our community table.  That’s really what we’re all about and why Blue Indigo  is “Your local bead shop”!