Mill Valley bead store to close after 24 years

Mill Valley's Beads of Marin, the last remaining bead store in the county, is closing next month after 24 years.

Owner Batel Libes, who purchased the shop 16 years ago, is retiring. The boutique bead emporium at 8 Locust Ave. off Miller Avenue will shut its doors June 16.

But Libes hopes to find a buyer who will continue the business, which is beloved by jewelers and hobbyists alike, she said.

"This is an artist's type of space," Libes said. "It takes passion and knowledge, and I hope that the heart, the inspiration will continue here for the customers."

Libes is self-selling the business and declined to disclose the asking price, saying that she would accept "the right offer from the right person."

Libes, 62, of San Francisco, is retiring to spend time with her family, to volunteer in her community and work on her own art, she said: "I am at retirement age, but young enough to enjoy the rest of my life."

The 18-month-long pavement project on Miller Avenue did disrupt business last year, but that is not the reason she is selling, she said. "It did impact us, but as the only bead shop in the area, the store had longevity and we got through it."

Libes said the shop has been a passion project of hers that she stumbled into.

In a past life, the address was once the Brothers Tavern, a watering hole known as "the Brothers" by locals. It became Beads of Marin in 1994.

In 2002, Libes needed beads for jewelry she was making for her daughter's bat mitzvah. After scouring San Francisco bead stores and striking out, she discovered Beads of Marin off Miller Avenue in Mill Valley's business corridor.

She saw a "For Sale" sign in the window and inquired within. Libes had made a career in San Francisco's high tech industry, but was out of a job at the time and decided to take a leap of faith, she said.

"I was able and saw no reason not to buy," she said.

Customers are glad she did.

"It is such a nice community here; it's quite lovely," said Valerie Gellner, a Mill Valley resident who dropped in Wednesday to offer congratulations on Libes’ retirement, and to say, "you will be missed."

Gellner, a longtime customer, said that the selection, expert knowledge of the staff and customer service are what made the store so special.

Libes hand selects her products, buying from wholesale vendors at trade shows and warehouses. The store boasts a variety of gemstones, and an eclectic collection of beads, including glass, wood, stone, pearls and rare African beads. There are also a variety of chains in gold and sterling silver.

Victoria Joy, a Sausalito jewelry maker, has been buying beads, string, and tools from the shop for more than 10 years.

"It means everything to be able to use all my senses in order to make choices that inspire creativity," Joy said. "I can touch the beads, feel the texture, the weight and see the detail, which is something that you can't replicate online."

She added, "I’m also grateful for the staff who give advice on certain projects when I ask."

Libes said for the past month longtime customers have been visiting her to say farewell and to wish her luck.

"That's what makes it hard," she said. "I’m going to miss the interaction the most. We’re a family here."

Among the customers Wednesday were Roxanne May and Tina Gabby who learned how to make jewelry from taking classes in beading, stringing and others nearly 10 years ago. The Mill Valley neighbors said they’ve been customers since then and meet weekly to work on projects together.

"What are we going to do now? Sew?" Gabby asked May.

"I’m really going to miss this place," May replied.

Updates on store hours and sales will be posted to facebook.com/BeadsMarin and beadsofmarin.com.

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