KYN: Superior Beads

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In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to a place in Duluth that sells a decorative object in every color, shape and size.

“We have probably the biggest selection of beading supplies north of the Twin Cities,” Superior Beads owner George Lokken said.

From five cents to more than $100 a piece, “All of the bead prices vary based on how they make the color and the glass bead,” said Lokken.

Thousands of seed beads, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones are for sale.

“The idea that this stone maybe came from Africa or Europe,” said Lokken.

The pieces come from all over the world and into Superior Beads in Duluth.

“Beads have been around since the beginning of mankind,” said Lokken.

Lokken’s lakeside business started 15 years ago.

“I will start my 16th year in December,” said Lokken.

It’s a second career for former St. Scholastica educator whose mother had a small bead shop on the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

“Certainly a challenge, but also has a lot of rewards to it,” said Lokken.

On any given day, Lokken sees quilters and knitters come in to enhance their projects, jewelry makers looking for unique enhancements and even dancers wanting to jazz up their costumes.

“It’s amazing how after nearly 16 years someone will come in with a whole other purpose for the beads that I had not ever even thought of,” said Lokken.

There is even something here for outdoorsmen — a selection of Finnish and Scandinavian knives.

“Cause I noticed when husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends come in the men usually would roll their eyes,” said Lokken. “Not have much to do with the beads and want to leave as quickly as possible.”

Superior Beads is located at 4521 E Superior Street.