About Sandy

The Story of She Beads

How She Beads are Made

Charity Partners

The Diva Program

About Sandy

She Beads

Sandy Rueve - Founder and Owner

"I call my hand rolled clay beads She Beads^TM, because it's what they are and it's what I do," says Sandy Rueve, creator of She Beads. She credits her inspiration for She Beads to her love of perennial gardening, and has successfully translated her natural adeptness for design into her one-of-a-kind, signature She Beads collections. Just as with her garden, She Beads is an ever evolving design vision that continues to thrive, under Sandy's nurturing, creative direction. Her unique design aesthetic has been meticulously cultivated throughout the growth of this seedling enterprise.

She Beads history not only spans time, but generations. Sandy's son Andrew, 25 and daughter Alex, 21, who have been immersed in the She Beads ethnology since childhood, now work side by side with their mother in what has now become a family business. Their creativity and contributions to product development and marketing and have helped shape She Beads direction for the future. Sandy serves as President, Founder and all round guardian of the company and currently resides in Evanston, Illinois. These days Sandy doesn't have much time to pursue her love of gardening, but with She Beads roots ever deepening, she finds equal joy tending to her company, as it continues to bloom and grow.

Sandy developed her sense of style and affinity for design while growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from St. Ursula Academy she went on to earn her certification in Radiology from the highly acclaimed Christ Hospital. Sandy knew early on that she wanted to involve herself in a career that enabled her to help others. A devoted stay-at-home mother of two she soon began juggling three part-time jobs to care for her young family. One of these jobs included working as an X-ray technician for the world famous Chicago Bulls. Driven by her creative instincts, Sandy started a small cottage business, designing and selling jewelry and accessories. In 1993, at the request of Michael Jordan, Sandy designed and hand crafted beads for the sports legend. It was through the act of this fortunate deed, that She Beads was born.

Sandy has since built a successful company through hard work, perseverance, and her innate entrepreneurial spirit. Her commendable work ethic, keen sense of style and tenacity serve as the foundation of her business. In response to a core belief of giving back, Sandy partnered with selected charities and developed what she calls The Charity Bead Collections^TM. These collections reflect her dedication to the personal struggles of others, that she fights with passion and conviction. "Our purpose isn't just to donate proceeds, but to become an advocate for education, to grow awareness, and connect people with similar experiences," explains Sandy.

In the nearly 15 years since the companies inception, Sandy has traveled across the country and internationally to spread the She Beads name and it's unique culture. In her travels she has listened to thousands of people share their She Beads stories. Like the tiny beads she strings, She Beads bring these people and their stories together. One person's connection to She Beads can result in powerful relationships that ultimately offer comfort, hope and solidarity within a common experience. It is truly a testament to Sandy's mission to touch others deeply through her life's work.