Mother, Daughter Team Expand Jewelry Business

At the age of 12, Meredith Whitaker knows about being a businesswoman, 10TV’s Andrea Cambern reported on Wednesday.

Whitaker and her mother, Amy, own Freckles, Buttons and Beads, a company that creates jewelry for kids.

The pair’s jewelry products are sold in more than 35 stores in 13 states, Cambern reported.

Soon, the mother/daughter pair hopes to expand the business online and to a local workspace.
 
“I knew that going into stores, girls might only have $10 in their pocket to spend, and their parents aren't necessarily going to give them more money,” Meredith said. “So I wanted to make sure that it was affordable for them.”

Meredith said that the pair formed the businesses when she was 8.

She and her mother said that they tried to find the right niche for the jewelry, which started with button and bead jewelry and has expanded to items for older girls.

Some best sellers include bottle cap necklaces with dangling charms for older girls or magnetized inserts for younger ones.

"When I see trends, I run with them, instead of just keeping with one constant line,” Meredith said. “And then for each outfit you wear, you can get a different charm, so when you change your outfit, you can change your look.”

Amy said that she was proud of her daughter, who is the chief executive officer and head jewelry maker for the business.

“I wanted her to know that as a girl, she can do anything she puts her mind to,” Amy said.

In addition to expanding the company’s business, Meredith and Amy also have expanded their outreach, Cambern reported.

Freckles, Buttons and Beads has donated thousands of dollars to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Amy said.

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