By Staff
UNIQUE Edith Boswell makes one of her glass-beaded charm bracelets in her shop in the Zero community. Boswell started her business, "E's… Too Much Fun," two years ago. Photo by Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
Oct. 14, 2001
Two years ago, Edith Boswell's sister-in-law gave her a Christmas present wrapped in a tiny box. Little did Boswell know the contents of that box would prompt a career change.
Inside the box was what Boswell called a "funky-looking glass-beaded bracelet with charms on it."
Boswell's sister-in-law explained that each charm had a special meaning. The silver baseball bat charm represented Braxton, her son. The golf clubs were for Butch, her husband, and the shopping bag and credit card represented her. The cross stood for the family's devotion to God.
A month after receiving the gift, Boswell started her own business, "E's… Too Much Fun," making the unique charm bracelets in her home in the Zero community. She was the first person in the area to make the now-popular jewelry.
Boswell started out by going to homes in the area and showcasing the different types of bracelets she could make.
Before starting the business, Boswell worked as an office manager at a local doctor's office.
Growing the business
Boswell found the original creator of the unique jewelry in Florida. After seeing how easy it was to make, she decided, "Why not try doing this myself?"
Today, Boswell's business has expanded to a shop outside her home where she showcases and makes all her jewelry and sells other unique gift items she finds at markets.
Boswell also sells her jewelry at home shows and market shows around the South, and even sells some items wholesale.
Boswell said she recently made a sale at a gift and apparel market show in Atlanta.
Boswell said she's gotten to the point where the demand is outstripping what one person can meet. Cindy Watson, Boswell's friend, now helps out in making the jewelry.
How long will it last?
When Boswell started her business, she said she expected the jewelry to be a fad.
Boswell said her items have remained popular by changing with the fashion trends.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228, or e-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.