Our Story

Hi, it’s Chris and Lindsy from Peacock Beads, formally Beads.

Our introduction to the public and social media is so overdue. It has been exhausting getting here.

Eighteen months ago, my daughter Lindsy and I purchased Beads from Barbara and Andy. Both are enjoying retirement and are overjoyed to be with their grandson. We are so thankful to Barbara and Andy for teaching us as much as they could and did.  

As a new customer of Beads, I did not know them. After a few meetings before buying Beads, one week of in-shop training, a very long day in LA, and a wonderful week in Tucson, we have fallen in love with them. Barbara and Andy are a lovely duo: kind, caring, and genuine. We had the most magical time in Tucson. That week, they introduced us to their fabulous wholesalers, and we bought tons of stock! We got to know each other, spending time together at the Airbnb, Saguaro National Park, many gem shows, and some fantastic restaurants. We are so excited for our 2nd annual Tucson get-together.  

We relocated from the DeLa Guerra and Santa Barbara corner to 12 E Cota Street.  Our storefront faces the World Market parking lot. Our shop is between the @palacegrillsb & @foxtailkitchen (soon to be Petra Cafe) restaurants. Santa Barbara’s parking lots 10 & 11 (follow arrow to Cota and turn left) are convenient, and the first 75 minutes are free. 

What a year it’s been

We have been the busiest hens, learning, traveling, and getting our house of beads, crystals, and jewelry in order. With relocating and going overboard, we had yet to know how long it would take the two of us to transform the prior Tropical Affair lingerie shop. The process of creating our vision, Peacock Beads, was complicated at times but primarily rewarding and lots of fun. We have a small cheesy neon sign, a leather sofa, purple chairs and ceiling with turn-of-the-century haberdashery turnabouts filled with gems, pearls, metals, and glass beads. The shop reminds me of my grandmother’s home as a child. A home filled with old furniture and dust with drawers to go through looking for hidden treasures. We wanted it to feel welcoming to everyone, so we have “the husband,” a small leather sofa for the not-so-interested.

Barbara and Andy were right, “We have the best customers!”.  Our almost half-year “soft opening” has gone by fast, and what a delight it has been meeting our customers. During this time, our cousin Jenn has joined the flock. Lindsy and I are ecstatic; she has been the most significant addition! We three hens have been busy getting new stock on the floor for our artists, hobbies, locals, and tourists. Peacock Beads has lots in mind for the near future.  

Please visit our PeacockBeadsSB.com website to sign up for email blasts, make reservations, and see new stock!

Thank you, patient and wonderful customers, for your support. Please shop at small local businesses.  

We look forward to keeping Santa Barbara’s original Beads in business for another 30 years. 

Chris, Lindsy, and Jenn started Peacock Beads because we're passionate about beads and wanted to share our knowledge with others. Our store offers a wide variety of beads and beading supplies for all levels of beaders. Come visit us and let us help you with your next project!

At Peacock Beads, we offer a variety of beads including glass, crystal, stone, metal, and more. We also carry beading supplies such as wire, string, clasps, and tools. Check out our online shop to see our full selection!