Located on the north end of Main Street is Moxie Beads, a store that dares to be unique.
For owners Denise Mankewitz-Foster and Randy Foster, Moxie Beads is their second bead store – the other is Décotage, which is located in South Redondo in Riviera Village.
The pair decided to open their new store in Santa Monica to fill the void left by iconic bead store Ritual Adornments that once occupied Main Street for 18 years.
When they opened Moxie Beads on May 7 this year, Foster said they knew they would be compared to Ritual Adornments, but decided to take on the challenge with a goal of pleasing customers through their exceptional customer service, their love and passion for beads, and the art of unique jewelry making.
“We are determined to give it all we’ve got to succeed and stay on Main Street, and continue making customers happy for many years,” Foster said.
In addition to providing great customer service and unique handcrafted jewelry designed and created by 10 local designers, the store also carries an impressive collection of semi-precious stones, pearls, silver, and gold chain.
“We have a little of everything and a lot of some things, like leathers, metals, Swarovski crystals, cabochons, and many findings,” Foster said. “Everything is moderately priced. You will not feel gauged here.”
Whatever customers are looking for in the bead industry can usually be found at Moxie Beads.
If not, Foster will source any special requests from customers and have it delivered to the store for pick-up.
Moxie Beads also offers classes and beading parties.
Foster said customers could also learn to work silver and other metals in Moxie’s silversmith workshop.
“Or just hang out, free of charge, in the classroom and design or create to your heart’s content for as long as the room is available,” he said. “The positive energy transmitted at Moxie will draw you back repeatedly.”
Moxie Beads also does repairs.
The store is located at 2200 Main Street. For more information, call 310.452.1999 or visit www.moxiebeads.com