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| Linda Cline |
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| Linda Cline |
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The Bead Chicas
bead jewelry & fashions
lincoln city & newport
To Linda Cline, owner of the Bead Chicas, selling is about listening.
“People always say the customer is always right, but the customer IS always right,” said Cline. “And if you listen to what the customer has to say, instead of just being so busy trying to get them to buy something, you will find something that will please them.”
“And making my customers happy brings me great joy.”
This joy exchange has been going on for nine years, ever since Cline decided to start a beaded jewelry with her friend (“chica” in Spanish). Her pal didn’t really like it, but she did, and she’s been making and selling jewelry ever since.
Cline’s pieces are hand-crafted combinations of Swarovski crystal beads, pearls, glass cane beads and gemstones, with sterling silver, 14-karat gold filled or pewter findings. She makes everything from inexpensive “stretchy” bracelets for wrists both large and small (the baby girl versions are just two for $5), to complete grown-up sets (with the most expensive necklace, bracelet and earring sets going for $100). Famous for her groovy earrings that start at $6 a pair, this Newport beader prides herself on quality materials and fair prices.
“The customers that keep coming back, they say that they love the product, they love the quality, they love the design,” she said. “Now, more than ever, people appreciate value.”
She greets her customers at the Newport Farmers’ Market (and at L’Miller’s Artisan Fair in Lincoln City), with an open smile and a question or two. She offers advice, helps pick out gifts and even makes minor adjustments on the spot. Custom orders, especially for brides and proms, make her smile even wider.
She became a beader by accident. Cline taught English as a Second Language at the college level in Southern California until her husband’s retirement; they moved to Newport but she was not ready to stop working. In between working as a tutor and running her own housecleaning business, Cline started to make jewelry. Nine years later, she still finds herself inspired by unexpected colors and patterns, and calls beading her favorite thing.
And when her favorite thing makes her customers smile, too, Linda Cline is one happy chica.
“I just try to listen to what they want, and then do what they want. I’m willing to say something doesn’t look good, even if it’s the most expensive choice,” she said. “I think people appreciate that. I try to design with integrity.”
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