Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Kabes
Hi Barbara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I hold the distinction of being the first female Endodontist in San Diego County for 10 years. As an Endodontist, a Dental Specialist in Root Canals, I spent my professional career cleaning and shaping the canals of teeth. I loved what I did and the micro-nature of my work. I retired in 2013 and was recently widowed, I reached out to the Blues Music Community. I volunteered for Blues Lovers United of San Diego (BLUSD). When the pandemic came and there was little to do, I turned to meticulously stringing beads together. I utilize the same magnifying loupes I used professionally, and many of the same instruments to aid in this adventure. During COVID-19, I made thousands of mask lanyards and gave them away to friends, healthcare workers, and anyone who had their life on the line to keep us going. Later I began making jewelry featuring a music theme. Primarily I used guitar picks with musical charms. Then, I began using Rock and Roll, and Metal Band guitar picks featuring spikes and skulls. These turned out to be wildly popular and sold thousands of them all over the world. My work came to the attention of Memphis Music in Memphis, TN when I was visiting, and they now buy from me in bulk and feature my work. As a Dentist, people would kindly tell me how much they hated Dentists. With Jewelry, I’m told how much they love it! A refreshing difference and I still get to do tedious work with my hands.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since it started as a hobby and morphed into a business, I take it as it comes. Since closing my Etsy store, the business has dropped significantly. I still get orders through my website, www.BarbsBeads4U.com, but not at the same pace.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As mentioned earlier, I am a retired Endodontist. I am also a trailblazer for women in this specialty. I was the first woman to complete the Endodontic program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I was the first woman Endodontist in San Diego County for ten years. I had my solo practice in La Jolla for nineteen years. I then practiced at the Indian Health Center on the Rincon Reservation for six years. During my career, I was a leader in Dental politics, having been a delegate to the California Dental Association, the fourth woman President of the San Diego County Dental Society, and I taught Pediatric Dental Residents the management of Oral Trauma and Regenerative Endodontics on the campus of Rady Children’s Hospital.
As for my jewelry, I’m mostly known for my music-related guitar pick jewelry. I also feature wire-wrapped sea glass necklaces, Chakra jewelry, and African Tribal Necklaces and bracelets. All of my designs are original and handmade. I offer design input from customers, as most of the jewelry is made to order.
What matters most to you? Why?
I love the response I receive from my work. This business has sparked my creativity and gives me the satisfaction of working with my hands, which I was born to do one way or another.
Pricing:
- $18 – $35 depending on the item
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BarbsBeads4U.com
- Instagram: BarbsBeads4U
- Facebook: BarbsBeads4U.com
Image Credits
All photos were mine
