Birch School students use beading business to benefit front-line workers

Three Birch School students are beading their hearts out to benefit workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Sixth-graders Kayla Indich, Paige Seltzer and Jolie Weiss, of Merrick, have been selling handcrafted rainbow bracelets through their business, Beaded, to spread hope and positivity during uncertain times.  

In two weeks, the young entrepreneurs made more than 250 bracelets and raised $700. The proceeds were donated to the Bellmore-Merrick Helping Our Heroes group, which works with local residents to raise money and coordinate food deliveries for essential workers. 

"We thought it would be a good way to help the people in need, and bring smiles to their faces," Jolie, 12, said. "It’s been a great experience for us to support the people that are really helping us."

The students started their beading business on Instagram back in November. Customers can direct message the account to request a rainbow bracelet, which are then delivered or mailed to the purchaser depending on where he or she lives. The girls' mothers also shared the effort to their personal Facebook pages to expand the business' reach. 

Each rainbow bracelet costs $2 and comes in decorative packaging with a label that reads, "Thanks for supporting the frontline workers."

Kayla, 11, said the project has kept her and her besties busy during quarantine. "It’s helped to be able to look forward to something that we know is going towards a great cause," she said. 

"A lot of people have gotten [bracelets] from us, and they're really proud of what we're doing," Paige, 12, said. She added that the business "keeps us connected with our friends" despite having to stay home.

Jolie agreed. "They're two of my best friends, and we work really good together," she said.

To request a beaded rainbow bracelet, visit @beaded.jolie.kayla.paige on Instagram.