Stories of gems with Ella Gilbert
Maker and Ex-Manager at Blue Door Beads
Setting afoot the shop’s inviting blueprint, it is immediately apparent that every surface is covered in gems, colored glass, jewelry fixtures, and mixed materials. Along its walls, antique cabinets, tapestries, and artwork dress the neighborhood bead store for utility and good measure. Its centerpiece is a vintage oak table whose facade is covered in the community’s touch: dents and markings that tell a unique story separately and together.
As Ella settles in the shop’s living room with me - outfitted in a casual tee, bottoms, and handmade earrings - she takes a sip from her morning coffee and waits for my lead. “I didn’t prepare a script or anything,” she comments. Slightly concerned that I may have come off too formal in my emails, I assure her that improv will be just fine.
Ella is a maker. Jewelry, especially, is in her DNA. Growing up, she embraced and excelled at many crafts. As a teenager, she spent summers working at artistic establishments, and had even interviewed at BDB, but the timing of available hours did not line up. In college, Ella found herself experimenting with interdisciplinary social science and English studies while the stars finally aligned at BDB, where she worked 3 years as a sales associate. After graduating from college in 2021, Ella pursued her passion for writing and editing at a publishing firm, staying only for a year. “The place was toxic, and I felt very burned out and unfulfilled,” she recollected. So, as the doors closed at that organization, the adventure into her current role as manager at BDB began, a role where she delights everyday in creative hands-on work that is deeply rooted in her community.
When asked about the BDB community and why she loves her work, Ella replies that it is the philosophy of care, appreciation, and human connection that sets the store apart. “There is something so refreshing about being able to have a moment with a customer, and help them [start or finish a project],” she explains.
“There is something so refreshing about being able to have a moment with a customer, and help them [start or finish a project]” - Ella Gilbert
She emphasizes that the BDB staff are all keenly interested and invested in each customer’s project, and go to great lengths to educate guests on both the materials and methods of the trade. Ella has even witnessed kids in the neighborhood grow up visiting the store, some evolving from playful young artists beading in the kids section to entrepreneurs sourcing materials for their Etsy shop. The shop also feels comfortingly like a family affair; the owner and matriarchy of BDB, Sara Mancini, often invites generations of makers from her family (including her mother and aunts) to connect with customers and even teach jewelry-making workshops in BDB’s back classroom space. As Stacie from Spectator Books puts it, “Blue Door Beads is a lovely, community-oriented shop…[and] we feel quite lucky to share the building with them!”
And the community fun doesn’t stop here. BDB’s owner and staff can be spotted at local pop-up fashion shows, and as hosts of intimate social hours; prior to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, regulars flocked to BDB after hours on Fridays to indulge in “Wine and Pizza” night. Most recently, Ella launched “Beads & Reads”, a book club and beading circle that meets monthly for the joy and company of beads, books, and other humans (RSVP to join the next meeting on August 28th!). If beading is Ella’s first passion, then reading is a close second…
As we approach the hour mark, I start to wrap things up by asking Ella about her recent creative ventures and what she’s most excited for at BDB this summer and beyond.
From a creative perspective, she shares about the regular (and very fun) displays she orchestrates at the BDB storefront. For Pride Month, Ella fashioned a small booth to share the significance and history of jewelry in queer culture. “I wanted to celebrate Pride with something more substantial than just rainbow-colored things,” she remarked. And this month, she co-designed a Taylor Swift-themed jewelry showcase in celebration of the pop singer’s 2023 Eras Tour. This is all to say, she keeps it real fresh!
As for what’s next for BDB, the store is looking forward to hosting their next set of what is called “trunk shows,” a guest takeover of the store where the invited artist or seller pops up at BDB for a few days to sell everything from pendants to toggles and strands. It is a particular treat for BDB customers when sellers offer rare and unique pieces that are hard to source. Upcoming trunk shows feature Hill Tribe Silver (happening August 1st through 3rd!). BDB staff also embark on an annual trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in Tucson, Arizona, which is happening next on February 8th through 11th, 2024.
All in all, it’s safe to say that these humans really nerd out to beads, and support a wonderful community of makers in the Bay Area. Thank you, Ella, for offering up your stories of this special place. And a huge shout out to Sara Mancini for bringing your passion to life!
Get your beading on at Blue Door Beads the next time creativity strikes you (hopefully that’s soon). Happy community building!