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.

Bead Retreat is proud to announce that the Beads That Benefit recipient for the 2009-2010 year program is the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.  The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund is the first health initiative chosen by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.  The fund raises money for scientific research of all women's cancers and its cure, and also assists the underserved in the fight against women's cancers.  Our Beads That Benefit bracelet sparkles with Swarovski clear crystals and white pearl, highlighted by silverplate and pewter beads, complete with a silver awareness ribbon.

The Beads That Benefit bracelet kit retails for $15.00 with $5.00 from the sale of every bracelet kit going to the Kay Yow/WBCA Fund monthly.

• Bead Style's 52 Bracelets - Featuring Hit the Links Bracelet - August 2009
  
• Jewelry in a Flash - Kalmbach Books Featuring The New York Minute Necklace - August 2009
  
• Bead Trends - April 2009
  
• Step by Step Wire Jewelry - Bead Retreat Ocean Motion Feature - Winter 2009
  
• All You Magazine - Make Money with Home Parties - February 2009
  
• Bead Trends Magazine, Sepetmeber/October 2008
  
• Family Circle, "Money in the Bag", August 2008
  
• The Chic Entrepreneur, Chic of the Week,  July 2008
  
• 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