photos by: CARRIE ALLEN
Sometimes a true life passion returns just when you need it most!
For Shannon Mahoney, creating her new lifestyle business – Mymar Boutique & Bead Bar – has provided the absolute perfect venture to introduce a new chapter in her life. Her charming new bead and charm bar in Huntersville can only be described as a lifelong dream for Shannon, whose love for the art of beading has finally come full circle.
The story of her landing in the Lake Norman area begins with Shannon and her former husband, Mike Tope, launching their own jewelry brand – Raintree – in 2012. Both savvy entrepreneurs, they quickly secured a national presence for their Vermont-based, family owned business named for the Pennsylvania farm where Shannon grew up. The brand’s strong success was a product of their many years of combined experience in custom jewelry design and manufacturing.
Fast forward to 2024, when they began to seek a better quality of life for their family and a local landscape more suited to small retail businesses. As a result, Charlotte, NC became their new home.
“North Carolina checked all the boxes,” says Shannon. “We loved that there are four seasons, so much culture and it’s easy to get anywhere in the country from our local airport hubs.”
As fate would have it, North Carolina has proven to be the perfect place to restructure their jewelry business, as well. The two separated in 2024, with Mike carrying on the more couture lines of Raintree and Shannon opening this new business that promises a super fun experience for all who visit as well as a comfortable landing spot for Shannon and her three kids.
“As a child, I always dreamed of having my own bead store,” she shares. “It’s an ideal way to get started with crafts if you have no experience. Plus, beading is so much fun and not at all overwhelming if you’re a novice!”
While Shannon was always captivated by the art of beading as a childhood hobby, she chose a more traditional college route until a favorite mentor convinced her to pursue the art path she truly loved. She was also trained in gold smithing and watchmaking, and found a career with well known watch manufacturers, including Rolex, while always keeping up with her jewelry designs on the side.
Shannon was also determined that her new business in the Lake Norman area would be something that worked well for her personally. The boutique’s hours allow flexible time to pick up her children and bring them back to the studio while she works with customers – truly a single mom’s dream scenario – and also incredibly fun for her kids.
“This is the business that makes sense for me right now,” she adds, excited to blend both the entrepreneurial and artistic worlds she loves so much
Family is definitely a priority at Mymar, which delights her daughter, Riley, 12, who enjoys creating art with her mom – and who has even inspired Shannon to try her hand at painting! Her younger siblings, Rockford and Rexton, love the joyful mood at the new business, and it’s not surprising that Mymar is set up to host the best kid-friendly birthday parties, complete with a mini-kitchen, as well as beading classes for the younger set. There’s a kids’ corner for safe, creative play while parents shop; and for adults, Shannon loves to promote the shop for celebrating bachelorette parties and girls’ night out gatherings, and, of course, plans to host plenty of “Bead & Sip” events!
Besides a focus on beading and charms, the adorable boutique also carries unique clothing and home accessories, other distinctive jewelry pieces and a curated collection of some of Shannon’s favorite specialty items. You’ll discover handmade clothing from Artists & Revolutionaries, stylish stationery from Paper Source, candles handmade in France and beads from around the world.
A true bonus for locals, the cozy space is also an open studio. If you purchase beads here, feel free to settle in and use the studio tables and tools to craft your own jewelry. If you’d prefer to bring your own beads, the tables and tools are easily available to rent.
In perfect time for Valentine’s Day, Mymar will introduce their Ever After Jewelry Bar with 14k gold, silver and gold-filled bracelets, anklets and necklaces available to weld on for a clasp-free perfect fit. Each can be personalized with charms, initials, diamonds and gems – and the jewelry bar will be available for private parties. It’s a stylish and meaningful way to celebrate with your bestie, partner or family member.
The boutique is also an ideal shopping destination for other easy-to-love Valentine’s Day gifts including, of course, bead kits!
Make plans to gather here soon with your kids or best girlfriends, or plan an afternoon for yourself nurturing a new creative hobby! Mymar Boutique & Bead Bar is located at 9526 Rich Hatchet Road, Huntersville, NC, 704-237-4356. Boutique hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with Sundays and Mondays available for special events. Visit mymarnc.com for more information and details on beading classes, and follow @mymarnc on Instagram for boutique news and event updates.
