It began the way most successful ideas do. A casual comment between friends sparked an entire business venture, only we didn't realize it at the time. We would have never believed that our lives were about to converge and be changed forever, and that our creative idea would one day impact women across the nation.

We both had begun beading for very different reasons. Cindi was creating bracelets for her direct sales downline, and Lesa was enjoying the beading process as a hobby. As more and more people asked how to bead, it was inevitable that the two friends would blend their knowledge and design a company that would help spread the joy of beading with friends and family.

Since 2001 from humble beginnings in a home, Bead Retreat has grown from the original concept in home beading parties to a successful direct sales company that helps others realize their dreams.

The inaugural partnership for Bead Retreat's Beads That Benefit program is with the Dignity U Wear Foundation. The mission of Dignity U Wear Foundation, Inc. is to positively impact the lives of children and their families by providing brand new clothing. Since their inception in March of 2008, Dignity U Wear has distributed over $70 million dollars worth of new clothing. Find more information online at: http://www.dignityuwear.org/

Bead Retreat's Dignity U Wear bracelet, featuring white fresh water pearls and silver accents, will retail for $15.00 with $5.00 from the sale of every bracelet going to Dignity U Wear.

• Simply Beads Magazine, "Retreat with Beads," June 2008
  
• Bead Trends Magazine, May/June 2008
  
• Hampton Roads My Time for Women Love What You're Doing in Business featuring Cindi Swett, March 2008
  
• Entrepreneur Start-Ups, January 2008
  
• Woman's Day, “Make Money at Home,” November 2007
  
• Town Square, “Bead Buddies,” August 2007
  
• The Times Leader, “New Career Path Opens New Doors,” July 2007
  
• Entrepreneurs Start Ups, “Ready to Party – 37 Direct Sales Opportunities to Check Out Now,” Summer 2007
  
• Record Democrat, “Bond with Beads Comes to Pocahontas,” June 2007
  
• Oprah, “Ready, Set, Shop,” May 2007
  
• AOL, “Top Ten Most Creative Home Based Businesses,” May 2007
  
• News Graphic, “O for Outstanding,” May 2007
  
• Daily Press, “Bonding with Beads,” April 2007
  
• Simply Beads, “Insight,” April 2007
  
• Brides Magazine, February/March 2007
  
• News Item, “Shamokin Native Leads National Conference,” March 2007
  
• Simply Beads, “Dignity U Wear,” February 2007