Ever since the fourth grade, Morro Bay, CA resident Paula Radke knew she was going to make her living as an artist. "When I grew up way back when," she said, "we had art in every grade of school from kindergarten on through high school, really wonderful art programs. I remember fourth grade art was when I came alive. I knew that that would be it for me. I always had a passion for jewelry, playing in mom's jewelry box, so I think beads were a natural for me, just the combining of the glass and the jewelry."

After dabbling in a wide variety of artistic mediums, including printmaking, silver casting and pottery, she discovered that glasswork was her passion. Utilizing a "Dichroic" process, she is able to create remarkable glass beads that change colors when viewed from different angles. "Dichroic glass is just a very special material, the way it changes with the light and it's just flashy and pretty," she said. "It's Unique and beautiful." Radke now has her products in nearly 1,000 outlets, including jewelry designers and craft stores such as A.C. Moores, and Michaels. "Because of the internet, I have accounts all over the world," she said. "I just recently sent some glass pieces to a glass museum in Kobe, Japan." And it all starts in her little shop in Morro Bay.

Contact Paula at paula@paularadke.com.

Marixza Rodriquez has been by my side almost as long as I have been making beads. We have the unique bond of being born on the same day of the year. I can't imagine working with anyone I respect more. She is the person who gets all your orders made and shipped. 98% of the time, it is her hands that make your beads. My right hand and valued friend, Marixza has traveled the world with me. She continues to push the limits of production beadmaking. Sometimes that is 38 beads per day and sometimes hundreds.

It has been a great joy watching her grow up as well as her 13 year old daughter, Antonia. Antonia will no doubt be joining us in five years or so. I see her as a great asset in sales.