Designer Kathy Beal at television's Emmy Awards

By Rebecca Ivic
MTS Senior

Kathy Ridgely Beal has worked in marketing, design and advertising. She crochets. And she took violin and guitar lessons. So how does all that add up to a new career in jewelry design?

"I would never have predicted even two to three years ago that I would be a jewelry designer, teaching jewelry making courses, and running my own company. So I think again it has to do with being open to new directions when something just clicks and you feel passionate about it," said Beal, B.A., 1984, who started her jewelry company, Elysian Jewels, in 2004.

Her moderately-priced designs are available online at the Elysian Jewels Web site. Her creations are also sold at gift shops, spas, salons and trunk shows. Recently she was an invited guest at both the Emmy Awards show and the Toronto International Film Festival. She wore her creations on the famed red carpets at both events. "It was a very memorable experience and I enjoyed every minute of both trips of a lifetime."

Beal said that her Purdue education gave her a foundation for her entire career.

Beal began Elysian Jewels after having to leave her full-time career in the marketing communications field. Her oldest son became ill and needed frequent doctor appointments and hospitalizations. Her ventures in jewelry making began when she and a friend went into a bead shop, Magpie Beads, Bags and More, in Ipswich, Mass., one day.

"As they say, the rest is history," she said. "I now teach at the very same shop."

Beal said she had been very fortunate to work with outstanding graphic designers, photographers and videographers in her 16 years in communication careers that "surprisingly enough, helped me to move very comfortably into jewelry design."

Her hobbies of crocheting and playing musical instruments helped with the dexterity and motor skills needed in jewelry construction. "So you never know where one aspect of your career or education might take you at some point down the road," she said.

While at Purdue, Beal remembers one of the speakers at a distinguished student ceremony talked about how "with great gifts or talent comes great responsibility." Beal said that she took the Elysian Jewels site as a real responsibility.

"As a former communication major, it was important to me that the site be an accurate reflection of my work, my values … and I wanted it to actually work!" she said.

For more information

Elysian Jewels

But Beal also said that the Elysian Jewels site is more than a store. Beal has a "Share the Wealth" section that encourages visitors to share their talents with people in need. The section has a list of links to non-profit organizations online.

"The Elysian 'Share the Wealth' section encourages readers to help our brothers and sisters in need. We all have something to share," she said.

She also shares her gifts in her new teen jewelry-making program at Boston Children's Hospital, called Project Bead. Hospitalized teenagers have the chance to take jewelry-making classes. Teens who are unable to take the class can receive a jewelry kit. The program relies on donations for its supplies.

"Art of any kind can heal—it's really magical and I feel so lucky to share this with these inspiring kids," she said. "And the jewelry they make—it's fantastic!"

Beal said that her Purdue education gave her an important foundation for her entire career.

"As a communication major, I was exposed to great thinkers, wonderful writers, and brilliant teachers," she said.

Beal said that her instructors at Purdue taught her to ask good questions and formulate thoughts and convey them in a variety of ways.

After graduating from Purdue, Beal went on to earn her Master of Business Administration at Boston College.

Beal said to remember that life is short and to find joy and beauty every day. She advises people to share their talents and wealth with the world.

"Do something you truly enjoy," she said. "Keep learning and stretching your limits."