Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Rueve.
Sandy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first began making beads by the request of Michael Jordan. Crazy, I know. So the short version of the story is that while I was at work at the Chicago Bulls games back in the 1990’s, Michael’s and my office shared an entryway. One night as he walked by, he saw me stringing beads and requested his own. That began the next 30-year journey that I am still walking! I grew a multi-million dollar bead business from my basement at home, sold to wholesalers throughout the US and internationally, and loved my work! Then due to the economic downturn, I later closed my 26-year old business. However, the Universe clearly had a different plan for me and my work. While running my successful business, my daughter and now business partner, Alexandra, gifted me an astrology reading at a spa for the spirit. I was less than excited about it and if it wasn’t for her urging me to accept, I probably wouldn’t have gone. During the reading, I was bucking all of the factual comments the astrologer, Barbara Shermer, had for me and was trying to figure out how she could have known all that she said- she must have googled me! As Barbara was wrapping up, she told me that I would be known around the world in 10 years as a talisman maker… first, you can’t tell me what I’m going to do and secondly, I don’t even know what a talisman is, I thought. That reading changed the trajectory of my life completely- it is now over 15 years later and I have been recognized around the globe as an Astrologer (who studied under Barbara Shermer for over 10 years before she passed) AND for my astrologically-timed talismans!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Aside from closing my 26-year old company, there have not been many challenges. I see more synchronicities than ever that help guide me on this spiritual path. My greatest challenge was to take on my talisman company after Barbara passed away. However, that is a beautiful story in itself! I had known that Barbara’s health was failing, and the day I received the call from her husband- I laid on the floor in my room and cried. I reached for the stereo to play some music when I accidentally played a cassette tape I had in there for many years- it was the recording from one of my first readings with her. As I listened and continued to cry Barbara said, “Sandy, you have all the tools you need. Now, use them!” After that touching message, I began stepping out as an Astrologer.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Intention Beads story. Tell us more about the business.
Intention Beads are quite different than any other jewelry or spiritual company. We specialize in astrology, talisman making, and personal development retreats & workshops. Not only have I taken my previous knowledge of millefiori beadmaking, but I have paired it with cosmic energy where they become talismans. A talisman is a sacred art object, often made in clay, made for a certain reason by a spirited creator. My clients and customers use their talismans to redirect their daily minds to a big vision that they hold for themselves. Basically, a tangible item for them to live mindfully every day!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think that luck is in the eye of the beholder (just like beauty). No matter what, life will always be ebbing and flowing, but as we learn to move with the tides: we learn to swim (aka do the work) and also let the current take us (aka letting go of complete control). With this outlook, I believe whether it is deemed good/bad luck, it becomes easier to accept and more enjoyable. For instance, astrology can tell us a lot about where we are on a lifecycle (yearly, monthly, daily). I explain to new clients that I am there to help guide them along with the ebb and flow of the cosmic energy.
Pricing:
- Astrology Reading (60 min): $160
- Personal Talisman Bracelet (includes 60 min consult and custom bracelet): $444
- Universal items and gifts: $35-$222
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.intentionbeads.com
- Phone: 8475073519
- Email: info@intentionbeads.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intention_beads/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentionbeads/
- Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/astrological-intentions/id1413036335?mt=2
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
