Hello and welcome to Tressbead! I’m Zlata, the creative force behind this unique venture.

The Journey Begins

Eighteen years ago, I accidentally walked into a bead shop in Toronto. That moment was amazing. Soon after, I discovered tons of beading magazines and books at Chapters, a Canadian bookstore. As an architecture graduate, I finally found my building blocks. I knew I had found my calling, that is, my favorite hobby!

A Rich and Tumultuous Past

I was born in Belgrade, in the former Yugoslavia. My generation, born in ’73, experienced turbulent times. We survived inflation, NATO bombings, and other hardships. In 1999, my husband and I decided to emigrate to Canada, seeking a new beginning.

A Passion for Beadwork

For the past 15 years, beadwork has been my cherished hobby. It has allowed me to create intricate and beautiful pieces. Today, it remains as fascinating as ever. Tressbead is my unique space where I craft every piece with care and love.

From Hobby to Business

While living in West Vancouver, I opened my first Etsy shop to see how it would work. At that time, my son had just turned two and was very active (I’m a slightly older mom :)). With a smile, I realized I could not handle both. The Etsy store was a quick test. Since then, we moved from Canada to Austria. After struggling to integrate into the professional world, I decided to take the next step in my life journey. What was once a cherished pastime is now blossoming into a small business.

Faith and Friendship

In 1995, I became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, having formerly been an atheist. My friendship with God is something I cherish deeply. This spiritual journey has profoundly influenced my life and my craft. I don’t consider myself an artist or designer, but a dedicated crafter who pours love and passion into each creation.

Stories Through Beads

I believe that each life experience tells a story and teaches us something. Each beaded creation I make has its story too. It carries a part of my passion for this art form. I’m honored to share these stories with you. From vibrant, playful designs to timeless classics, you’ll find a piece that resonates with your unique style. Just something I once saw and thought might be nice to keep in mind while browsing my site: “Life may not be perfect, but your jewelry can be.” 😊

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

I hope you will find that perfect piece to add a touch of elegance and joy to your life.

Warm regards,
Zlata