About Us
Our Story
South Central Bead Co. was founded after owner Ken, his wife Sarah, and their two daughters retired from 20 years of active duty service in the US Air Force. Having traveled & seen a lot of the world both together & apart, they chose to return to Alaska, where their family was started. The biggest question for a military family after retirement is, "What Now?"
What's The Bead Idea?
Ken grew up an avid fisherman of warm Texas Stillwater but fell in love with the cold Alaskan Rivers in 2001. Sarah was well on her way to finishing up a degree in Business Management and owned more nail polish than any human should. Ken's obsession with fly tying & bead painting paired perfectly with Sarah's degree & nail polish supply...the light bulb went off! South Central Bead Co. was established in the winter of 2019.
Made for Alaska
All of our Beads are designed & tested in Alaska. Our main production effort for the year happens during our long Winters. In Spring, we create & develop new beads for the upcoming season. Summer & Fall are spent field testing and approving these designs for the following year. This process ensures we are not only packaging attractive beads, but also ones that imitate the natural eggs found during and after salmon spawning. We utilize several methods & mediums to achieve our desired effects and colors. We're a small family-run Alaskan business, and proud of it!