The Beadhive to close in Geneva

GENEVA – For nearly 23 years, Leslie Owings and Jean Narimatsu sold beads and jewelry-making supplies in Geneva – the first 11 years at the Berry House on Third Street and then at 316 Franklin St.

Owings said the store is closing Feb. 28.

“It’s time,” Owings said. “We could sell it to someone, but no one has offered.”

The Beadhive features beads made of Swarovski crystal, Czech glass, semi-precious stones, such as garnets and amethysts, seed beads, sterling silver and gold-filled clasps, as well as other supplies and tools.

Bead stores and small businesses in general suffered during the Great Recession in 2008, Owings said, and their shop was no different.

Owings said how the partners got started was a case of serendipity, with Owings getting the idea after visiting a similar store in Saugatuck, Michigan.

“Jean and I were bowling, and I told her about it and that there was nothing like it in the Tri-Cities,” Owings said. “She got up and bowled, came back and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ ”

Neither ever had done beading or had made jewelry, so it was a learn-as-they-went-along operation, Owings said.

They also do repairs and custom jewelry design, she said. Owings said the store will host an open house from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 and from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 1.