Artist has a 'History' with Biddle's Escape Bead Shop

Jade Wilson found History Bead Trading Company when it was on South Craig Street in Oakland, just a hop and a skip away from her high school, Oakland Catholic. 

Since the now 21-year-old is enamored with creating jewelry, she was happy to do odd jobs around the store. She worked her way up from stringing beads onto plastic chords to having her own set of keys to the store.

“I just found it out of sheer want. I sort of forced myself upon them,” Jade said with a smile. 

Four years later, Wilson and the store may have moved out of Oakland, but Wilson hasn’t moved on from the store. Despite the over an hour commute from her home in Lawrenceville to History’s new location in Regent Square, Wilson couldn’t give it up.

“I couldn’t not be a part of this place,” said Wilson who balances being the manager of the tiny shop, with a second job and attending Point Park University.

Wilson’s history with jewelry making began when she was 13 years old and bored one lazy summer. After spending too much time at home, Wilson’s mother forced her into a summer camp where she learned how to craft jewelry. She was a natural and soon advanced to the class for kids 17 and up.

“Moms always know best,” Wilson said.

Nestled in the corner of Biddle’s Escape coffee shop with walls lined with strands of multicolored beads of all shapes and sizes, History is Wilson’s domain. While the store is always open to curious coffee shop patrons, the bead shop is officially staffed on Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 to 7 p.m.. 

The shop is an eclectic mix of curiosities from beads to jewelry, artifacts and artwork. The products from all around the world were amassed by Joe Davis, who has owned History for over 20 years, throughout his travels. 

“When [Joe] wanted to open this place up, he had me come in and I set everything up so I’m sort of in charge of this part of it and he owns the business ... we work together,” said Wilson who was happy to follow Davis to his new business on Biddle Avenue.

Wilson not only creates custom pieces for the shop, but she also does jewelry repairs, teaches classes and works with people to create personal designs.

Wilson enjoys the new space but misses the foot traffic garnered by the old location. While some of her main clientele followed History to Regent Square, her biggest goal for the shop is to attract new regulars. 

“I just want people to come. I thrive on working with people,” Wilson said. 

She said she was inspired one day when a group of ladies seeking a new crafting skill came into the shop to make jewelry. Although they all made necklaces, Wilson was impressed how none of the necklaces were the same. 

The ability to break free from her regular style and think outside the box to help the women craft their own work got Wilson’s creative juices flowing.

“Then I learn something about them and myself as well. That’s my favorite part of the job, I would say.”

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