Cheshire Small Business Spotlight: Kandu Beads

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Kandu Beads
• Owners: Debbie Jaffe
• Website: www.KanduBeads.com

How did you come up with the name? My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2003. I stopped working to care for him. I advocated vehemently on his behalf and went head to head with doctors every day. I did everything I could to make sure he had the best care possible. When he was in recovery and it was sure he was going to live my husand’s oncologist said to me, “If it wasn’t for your Can Do attitude your husband would be dead.” That resonated with me. I liked the look of the phonetical spelling better.

Why start a business in this town? I originally had my shop in Wallingford in the Silversmith Park building for nearly 4 years. I had signage on the road since I moved in then after 3 and a half years in business the Wallingford Planning and Zoning commissioner came to my shop and issued fines for my signage. When I appealed to the town they would not issue variances for signage and made me take down all of my existing signs. I lost nearly all of my business, current customers were calling saying how sad they were that my business closed. I knew it was time to move. I so moved to Cheshire, a more business friendly town which was even closer to home.

What business are you in? We sell jewelry, gifts, handmade crafts by local artists and one of a kind imports. We also offer classes and host private events.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? Finding new customers. Our bead customers are very loyal and many tell their beading friends. However, new people that stop in say often “I never knew you were here.” Without spending mountains of money, I’d like to find more customers.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? There have been so many. I am so blessed because my family has been supportive of every decision I have made. When I made the extremely difficult decision to move my shop I knew I wanted to do Cheshire proud. I wanted to make a friendly, comfortable environment which is welcoming and is available to everyone. The night before my grand opening I stood in the shop listening to the church bells ringing on the green looking at the beautiful space which my husband built for me and counted my blessings. We, my family, my amazing staff and I created exactly what I had in my head all along.

How does your business give back to the community? I have been extremely blessed in my lifetime. I strongly believe that you get what you give in life. At least once a month KanduBeads goes into the community to teach the therapeutic effects beading can have on the most hectic lives. I started beading when my husband was sick and my life was in chaos. This month I will be at Gaylord Hospital, the Cheshire Senior Center and the Wallingford Public Library teaching classes.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.