Blogs

Every January/February, Tucson becomes the center of the global bead and gemstone world. For small business owners, the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is both an opportunity and a trial: miles of shows spread across the city, thousands of vendors, and an endless sea of glittering temptation. For Val Hirata, a Honolulu-based bead shop owner and 20-year Tucson veteran, the chaos has long since resolved into clarity. Over two decades, Val has refined her approach into something focused, …