Interview with Angie and Michael from ‘Beads for a Purpose’

Love My Bay had the pleasure of interviewing Angie and Mikey this week to get more info on their business ‘Beads for a Purpose.‘

In June 1997 every parents worst nightmare happened when 2 year old Michael was rushed to ICU with severe fever and other stomach flu symptoms. Diagnosed with Shigella virus, an illness picked up at his nursery school, Michael began having seizures from the high fever. This resulted in him being put on life support for 10 days in an induced coma. Unfortunately during this time his brain  suffered permanent brain damage which caused him to lose all the milestones he had reached. These included sitting, standing, walking, talking and feeding himself as well as other milestones usually met for his age.

Fast forward 25 years and Michael is a 27 year old who has not only successfully reached those milestones again and many more with the assistance of his devoted mother Angie, but he has also started his own business. 

During the very first week of lockdown in South Africa due to Covid 19, Michael’s gran passed away. They were very close and it impacted him severely. To keep the anxiety, grief and the mental effect being housebound had on almost all South Africans, Beads with a Purpose was started and its purpose was clear.

Michael had found a passion and personal interest in something that would help him deal with the disruptive events happening around him in fast succession. For two and a half years they have tried to keep the business going to maintain this mental and financial wellbeing for Michael.

LMB: How did Beads for a Purpose come about?

Angie: Having dealt with my own struggles in life, I cannot pretend as a mother, that I do not worry about Michael’s future, especially him being a special needs adult in South Africa. 

Covid-19 and being housebound, required me to find a way to keep Michael encouraged and stable emotionally during that trying time. So we started a venture called “Beads for a Purpose” – the purpose being Michael’s welfare – emotionally, mentally and financially.

The need for him to do something that he loves, that brings him joy and hopefully one day soon, an income that he can survive on and help him to stand on his own two feet.  With my mother’s passing in March 2020 and knowing I won’t be around forever, the concern for his future is greater than ever, which is why I am so passionate about getting his business as much exposure as possible. 

LMB: Where is Beads for a Purpose currently stocked?  

Angie: Unfortunately our marketing has been limited to social media platforms like Facebook, but I think people would rather see the products in person and so this has not proved to be very lucrative.

Aloe Pharmacy in 6th Avenue Walmer have been constant in carrying some of his stock which they sell on his behalf on a commission basis, but we would love to have more online shops, retailers, pharmacies and even market stalls investing in his products.

LMB: What is your plan for this business venture? 

Angie: My goal is ultimately to try and get his name and business known to  clients who could commission him to make unique gifts for them. I would also like this business to grow into a venture where we can create a small workshop type of environment where other Special Needs adults can join Michael and assist him with his beading projects and in that way create an income stream for themselves too.

LMB: How can people support Michael in his business venture?

Support can come in many forms. A first point of support would be clients ordering merchandise, either ready made pieces designed by Michael himself, or requests they may have. Word of mouth is also a great way to show support, sharing of social media posts and even getting involved personally in helping us reach our goal of this benefiting other special needs children and adults.

Donations of any unwanted beads or accessories that Michael can use to make ” beautiful treasure from trash” is also always so welcome and appreciated. Of course any exposure from other online / retail stores is an amazing assistance. 

We really want to get this business to our goal point of eventually having a work space for Beads for a Purpose that can add value to as many other special needs families as possible. 

LMB: How long has Michael and Beads for a Purpose being in business?

Angie: Since lockdown started in March 2020.

Love My Bay speaks to Michael:

LMB: What do you love most about what you do? 

Michael: I love seeing an idea come together in something beautiful like a pair of earrings or bracelet for example.  I love all the pretty colours, designs, shapes and sizes of beads.

LMB: Who is one of your favorite people on this planet?

Michael: My Mom

LMB: What are your favourite colours of beads?

Michael: Pink, purple and blue.

LMB: What is your favorite item to make?

Michael: Bracelets I think. But I love making anything that is fun and easy to make!

LMB: What different kinds of beaded goods do you make at the moment? 

Michael: Earrings, bracelets, suncatchers, glasses holders for spectacles and sunglasses, key rings, hand bag charms – lots of things!!