From left to right, back row: Cheree, Susan, Karen, Frank, Lupe, Jenna, Michele
Front row: Cathryn, Sandy (owner of Bead Jungle), and Acey


“Great selection, wonderful people, super classes, many, many specials, and the best
store owner in the galaxy!”    

    That’s how Regina DeMatteo, of Henderson, Nev., describes Bead Jungle. Regina was one
of the happy customers who nominated the Henderson, Nev., store in BeadStyle’s first “Favorite Bead Store” competition.     
    Winners were chosen by the number of votes received. The Bead Jungle won with 129 votes.
    Below is part of our conversation with owner Sandy Murphy. Read more about Sandy and Bead Jungle in the editor’s blog at BeadStyleMag.com.

When did you open Bead Jungle?

S.M.: We originally opened in Las Vegas in November 2001 at an indoor weekend swap meet. We grew so fast that in April of 2003 we opened our current store, and it has been the best experience of my life.

Why did you decide to open the shop.? 

S.M.: In my earlier years I was a hippy and looking back at those carefree times I decided I wanted that for my later years.

Are you a beader? 

S.M.: I have dabbled in everything. I love wire working, stringing, and anything free form.

What kinds of classes do you offer?

S.M.: We offer almost everything that has to do with beads, including silversmithing, wire working, chain maille, bead weaving, stringing, French flowers, and soldering. We also invite guest instructors from all over the United States.  

What are you most proud of?  

S.M.: The fact that I have the best employees in the industry.

What is your customer service philosophy?  

S.M.: Our customers truly make us happy. All of us have put customer service at the forefront. That’s our most important product and it makes us stand out.

How are you handling challenging economic times?  
S.M.: By listening to our customers and trying to meet their needs. At the end of 2008, we sponsored our first annual Bead Jungle Craft Fair (called Crafting Safari) and plan to keep it going. We also are planning on working with charity organizations for women to teach them the art of beading. We are committed to giving back to the community.

What is the most frequently asked question from new beaders who come into your  store?  The very first comment upon seeing the store is "WOW!-where do we begin?"  We start by telling them about our classes and they are truly surprised when we tell them shops in Nevada do not charge a class fee.   

Anything that you’d like BeadStyle readers to know  that weI didn’t ask?  We are not that far from the strip and many of our customer come to Las Vegas, shop for beads so that they can sit on the veranda and bead.
PS: Do you guys sell at all online?  Do you plan to in the future?  We sell online by email to our customers all over the world who have been to our shop and know what we have.  In the near future our lovelies will be online.

Other quotes from admirers:

"I love the classes. I have made beautiful necklaces and bracelets. The teachers are great. The store has a wonderful selection."
— Jayne LaFavor

"This store carries a vast high quality variety on everything that a beader can possibly want or need at reasonable prices and friendly service. There is also ample parking and good hours, plus the store itself is set up in a user-friendly environment."
— Phyllis Morgan

"They have a WONDERFUL selection of any type of bead or supply you would imagine or want... and the staff is so helpful! "
— Julianne Loconsole

"Knowledgeable sales associates and an amazing selection! I love there are free classes when you purchase your supplies through Bead Jungle. "
— Melissa Boyle