About

I have always been drawn to style and design.  I studied fashion merchandising in college and hoped to one day own a store.  Well, life happens and four kids later there was little time for that.  After number four, I started designing necklaces in my dining room.  Three boys and my youngest a girl, I named my company after her – Scarlett’s Beads.  Every item was handmade and designed with love. 

Over the years I started to include earrings, bracelets and stylish accessories.  Our sales grew and we continued to broaden our line, continuing to seek out the latest fashion trends. 

But in 2016 I had to put Scarlett’s Beads on hold when our youngest son Brooks was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer.  After a courageous year-long fight, Brooks lost his battle in December of 2017 at the age of 10.

My mission in life shifted.  I needed to incorporate my love of design and to pay it forward.  My company was reborn as Birdie Designs – Birdie was Brooks’ nickname.  Making jewelry is a way for me to focus, be still and fulfill my desire to create.  I know in my heart this is what I am supposed to be doing to connect with other women, feel joy, spread love and give back. 

In 2018, my husband and I started Brooks Strong Foundation, a pediatric cancer charity named in memory of our beautiful baby boy.  Brooks Strong provides scholarships for kids going through cancer treatment to help defray the cost of sports and other extracurricular activities.  Brooks was a naturally-gifted athlete and we saw firsthand how his continued involvement in the sports he loved kept him happy, positive and committed to beating cancer.  In order to support the foundation’s mission, I donate 15% of Birdie Design’s profits to Brooks Strong. 

I hope you enjoy my store and please know that with each purchase you are doing good.

More information about Brooks Strong Foundation can be found at www.brooksstrong.org