Meet Ann Swain | Bead artist, weaver and former builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ann Swain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ann, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is a large measure of data/facts with an even greater measure of faith that the idea is viable and a resolve to try again if the idea fails. Risk taking, for me, has been exhilarating, scary, and often successful. Finding solutions for unexpected results of taking a risk is a challenge I enjoy.

I used to work for other people and follow their directions but always felt restricted. I decided to trust myself and start a business I knew little about. I read books, interviewed people in the field I was interested in pursuing, arranged a loan and jumped in. I became a general contractor and built my first house to sell. This was a huge risk! Having never been in any kind of construction before, the learning curve was straight up. I had to work with subcontractors, banks, inspectors and finally the general public to sell the house. Once it was sold, I looked at my earnings, I didn’t lose any money, I didn’t really make any money, but figured that was the price of my education. I continued and went on to create a successful building business, taking many risks along the way. It was hard,, it was fun, it was risky, and it was successful.

Today, I am a beading artist and weaver. It all started as a hobby and I realized I had too many pieces lying around after giving away items to friends and family. I decided to try and sell my bead works. A friend helped me with the name and logo. I started by asking local shop owners if they would be willing to carry some of my items and I now have one shop selling my beadwork. I also attend craft fairs and sell my work and soon, I will open an Etsy shop. One risk I have recently taken is to purchase 50 wholesale fedora hats to sell with my beaded hatbands for upcoming craft shows. I’m hoping the risk of purchase will pay off. I have also started a weaving project. It is a series of the lives of underground creatures, starting with ants.

Overall, I feel anytime one creates something and then offers it to the public, there are risks. There is the risk of ridicule, there are risks to one’s self esteem, there are risks of impostors stealing one’s work, but in the end, the risk is always worth the effort, for not taking a risk gets one nothing.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have always loved the Arts. Museums and music halls, craft fairs and artistic graffiti have always entertained me. After retiring, I thought I might try my hand at some sort of artistic endeavor. I started with watercolor painting which I thoroughly enjoy but have no interest in sharing with others. Next, I decided to try stained glass mosaics. I made a tabletop containing many of the things I love, birds, snail, rabbit, ant, moose, frog, butterfly, flowers, dogs, bicycle. Again, this is just for my enjoyment. Most recently, I decided I wanted to learn to bead. I had know idea how many styles of beading there were. In my quest to learn as much as I can about beading, I started making a lot of things: bracelets, earrings, hatbands and some beaded embroidery. After giving things away to as many people as would take them, I came up with the idea to sell them. I approached a shop in town and they agreed to sell some of my items. Next, I have participated in Art fairs and have had a great deal of fun selling my items. In the very near future, I will open an Etsy store and see how that does. With the rising cost of everything, these sales really help fill an income gap and give me something productive to do. This summer I will be teaching beading classes and am really looking forward to it! Who knew a little hobby could bring such joy and a little income. I’m only in the beginning of this beading project, I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Silverthorne Colorado is high in the Rocky Mountains. If you come in winter, snow sports abound. There are 6 Alpine ski resorts within 30 minutes drive. Nordic ski centers are also nearby and of course one can always take to the backcountry on skis or snowshoes. Ice skating, skijoring, and curling are all winter options.

Warm weather offers some of the best hiking in the world along with bike riding, kayaking, rafting, fishing. If you are an outdoor person, you will never be bored here. If you can only stay a week, you will return because you can’t do it all in one week.

Throughout the year there is live music somewhere every week. The number and variety of restaurants is vast, something for everyone. You like Thai, we’ve got it, you like Mexican, we’ve got it, you like farm fresh, we’ve got it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been supported by many wonderful women throughout my life. My mother, Shirley T. Swain, MD, was a huge inspiration. She became a doctor in the 1940s, which was uncommon for women during that time. She always told me to “Hook my wagon to a Star!”

I was also fortunate to know a woman who became a mentor to me, Judge Jean Dwyer. She always believed in me and was always willing to help me, listen to me and love me. Without her support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

There have been many friends along the way who supported me and encouraged me. Toney Allman was and is always there for me. She has supported me when I couldn’t see the way forward.. Newer friends, like Cheryl Jones and Bonnie Bogen are always there to offer critiques, support and ideas. My sister-in-law, Nancy Swain is always encouraging and supportive. And of course, my newest friend, Kayla Reiter who made this referral to ShoutOut!

Thank you to all who have made my life easier and more interesting!

Other: The name of my business is Mary Alice Caw. You can reach me by emailing: MaryAliceCaw@gmail.com