HER STORY ⟡ Holly Ritter
Hi, I’m Holly, and here are three facts about me:
I don’t eat or drink anything artificially blue.
I’m an early bird - 5 a.m. workouts are my jam.
I’m a sucker for a fresh journal, especially one with an inspiring quote on the cover.
Now that we’re friends, here are a few more things to know about me. I am the owner of The Festive Bead Co., which offers curated and custom handmade bracelets for adults and kids. I love connecting people through my small business, and I’m also passionate about charcuterie boards, healthcare marketing (full-time gig), interior design, supporting local businesses, and experiencing new things with my husband and 7-year-old daughter.
Why I started:
I started in December 2020 when I wanted to make some bracelets as gifts for friends for the holidays. After showing my designs to a few people, they encouraged me to try selling them, so I hosted a Facebook live sale and sold out of nearly 100 bracelets in a couple hours. I was blown away by the support and the requests for more bracelets from family and friends.
For years, I wanted to start my own business but never landed on an idea that stuck. To be honest, making handmade bracelets wasn’t on my list of business ideas, but it was the first idea that I didn’t overthink. It’s allowed me to tap back into my creative side and connect with others through fun designs, meaningful gifts, and vendor markets.
What I love about being a business owner:
My passion is really in connecting with people. As a small business owner, I love being able to connect with other entrepreneurs – supporting them, learning from them, and encouraging each other along our respective journeys. I also love helping customers connect to their friends and family through thoughtful gifts and/or DIY bracelet parties.
What type of impact do you hope to have on those you meet and/or who purchase your products?
For those I meet along my small business journey, I hope I can inspire and encourage them to pursue their goals–whether it's starting or growing their own small business or focusing on their personal growth intentions.
For those who purchase my bracelets, I hope I can help them spread joy and inspiration through thoughtful designs or meaningful gifts for friends and family.
Who or what inspires you?
Whether learning their story, helping them find relevant resources, or applauding their progress, I am always inspired after connecting with others who are taking steps toward their personal and/or professional growth goals.
What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve ever received or favorite quote?
When I was first getting started, I worried that there were so many other bracelet makers that I wouldn’t stand out. Then I read somewhere that it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it that makes the difference. It’s YOUR passion, vision, style, and authenticity that makes people choose to support you and your business no matter your industry or niche.
What does BEAUTY mean to you?
To me, beauty is embracing, loving and showing up as your authentic self.
What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?
Keep showing up. Even if you don’t know what you’re doing–you’ll learn. Even if you don’t think it’s perfect–no one knows what your version of perfect looks like, so stay focused on your progress. Even if you feel like it’s a silly question–ask anyway because people want to help. Just keep showing up because there is so much freedom and growth on the other side of your fear and overthinking.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
I’m looking forward to participating in more events and connecting with more members of the group over the next year!
I’m also offering Beauty Boost members 20% off their next online order with code TBB20.
Where our community can find you:
Website: thefestivebeadco.com
Instagram: @thefestivebeadco
Facebook: The Festive Bead Co
