About Dawn
IGUGU BEADS
About Us
We create whimsical animal and nature-inspired jewelry designed for spirited individuals who want to explore their wild side.
IGUGU BEADS
About Us
We create whimsical animal and nature-inspired jewelry designed for spirited individuals who want to explore their wild side.
About Dawn
WILD & WHIMSICAL
BEADED JEWELRY
FOR ANIMAL AND NATURE LOVERS
Let me introduce myself
Hi! I’m Dawn. I’m a fur parent, nature lover, swimmer, jewelry designer, and avid learner.
I wear ALL the hats in my small business … marketer, accountant, photographer, copy editor, and web designer. But my favorite thing to do is the most fun! Jewelry design. I’m really excited about my latest collections that include both handcrafted polymer clay and organic paper beads.
My social media followers have undoubtedly noticed I am obsessed with animals. That is what drives me to create wild and whimsical jewelry to help you explore your wild side.
My jewelry journey
Established in 2007 under the name Beadazzled by Dawn, I rebranded to Igugu Beads in 2019.
My career evolution led me to narrow my focus to jewelry inspired by nature and animals. I began years ago as a typesetter, then a graphic designer. At the age of 36 I decided to go to San Diego State University, where I received a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology.
This led me to work as a tour guide at the San Diego Zoo. Along with that I also began a career as a Naturalist in outdoor education, sharing science and appreciation of nature to local six-graders.
Now retired, I focus my days on creating new collections and creations for you.
I hope you enjoy your journey through my shop. Cheers!
Dawn
IGUGU BEADS CARES
WE GIVE BACK TO
TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
We Love Animals!
I’ve always loved animals, but learning about them and their challenges inspired me to Give Back to wildlife conservation organizations.
JEWELRY communicates our personalities, moods, and attitudes.
It is an outward expression of who we are.
Share yourself with others.
IN ADDITION to a passion for all creatures wild and domestic, I love the warm sun kissing my face, my four-legged fur baby, my man, good food & better beer, long walks meditating with John Denver, amphibious adventures + making a difference.
CREATING brings me peace. I’m most serene while dabbling in creative endeavors … designing jewelry, doodling (I created my logo during a day-long meeting!), or simply stacking pebbles.
EIGHTEEN YEARS ago, while teaching 6th graders at Cuyamaca Outdoor School, my friend “Mama Bear” and I were utilizing thematic teaching techniques – inspired by the show Survivor – to engage our students.
OUR LOGO included a cheetah. One day, while wandering through a major retail store, I spotted plastic cheetah beads. I was beadazzled! With those beads I designed Survivor immunity necklaces for each group.
Over the years, I’ll have to admit I’ve become a beadaholic.
I wish there was a 12-step program for that ; )
Now I have an entire wall full of beads. No kidding.
The SAN DIEGO ZOO, where I also worked for many years, changed my life. Since retiring, my focus is now on two passions in my life: designing jewelry + animal conservation. I’d love for you to join me! Bead Wild. Save the Wild.
LIFE is short.
Do what makes you happy.
Wear what makes you feel good.
About Dawn
WILD & WHIMSICAL
BEADED JEWELRY
FOR ANIMAL AND
NATURE LOVERS
Let me introduce myself
Hi! I’m Dawn. I’m a fur parent, nature lover, swimmer, jewelry designer, and avid learner.
I wear ALL the hats in my small business … marketer, accountant, photographer, copy editor, and web designer. But my favorite thing to do is the most fun! Jewelry design. I’m really excited about my latest collections that include both handcrafted polymer clay and organic paper beads.
My social media followers have undoubtedly noticed I am obsessed with animals. That is what drives me to create wild and whimsical jewelry to help you explore your wild side.
My jewelry journey
Established in 2007 under the name Beadazzled by Dawn, I rebranded to Igugu Beads in 2019.
My career evolution led me to narrow my focus to jewelry inspired by nature and animals. I began years ago as a typesetter, then a graphic designer. At the age of 36 I decided to go to San Diego State University, where I received a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology.
This led me to work as a tour guide at the San Diego Zoo. Along with that I also began a career as a Naturalist in outdoor education, sharing science and appreciation of nature to local six-graders.
Now retired, I focus my days on creating new collections and creations for you.
I hope you enjoy your journey through my shop. Cheers!
Dawn
We Love Animals
IGUGU BEADS CARES.
WE GIVE BACK TO
TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
I spent 14 wonderful years at the San Diego Zoo, known for working hard to save animals from the brink of extinction.
I’ve always loved animals, but learning about them and their challenges inspired me to Give Back to wildlife conservation organizations.
JEWELRY communicates our personalities, moods, and attitudes.
It is an outward expression of who we are.
Share yourself with others.
IN ADDITION to a passion for all creatures wild and domestic, I love the warm sun kissing my face, my four-legged fur baby, my man, good food & better beer, long walks meditating with John Denver, amphibious adventures + making a difference.
CREATING brings me peace. I’m most serene while dabbling in creative endeavors … designing jewelry, doodling (I created my logo during a day-long meeting!), or simply stacking pebbles.
EIGHTEEN YEARS ago, while teaching 6th graders at Cuyamaca Outdoor School, my friend “Mama Bear” and I were utilizing thematic teaching techniques – inspired by the show Survivor – to engage our students.
OUR LOGO included a cheetah. One day, while wandering through a major retail store, I spotted plastic cheetah beads. I was beadazzled! With those beads I designed Survivor immunity necklaces for each group.
Over the years, I’ll have to admit I’ve become a beadaholic.
I wish there was a 12-step program for that ; )
Now I have an entire wall full of beads. No kidding.
The SAN DIEGO ZOO, where I also worked for many years, changed my life. Since retiring, my focus is now on two passions in my life: designing jewelry + animal conservation. I’d love for you to join me! Bead Wild. Save the Wild.
LIFE is short.
Do what makes you happy.
Wear what makes you feel good.
Meet the Maker –
Making Paper Beads
HAPPY CLIENTS
Testimonials
I absolutely love this necklace and have gotten several compliments already! The workmanship is excellent and the stones are really pretty.
Sharlynn
SEA SNAKE NECKLACE
Holly
MAHOGANY BUTTERFLY NECKLACE
Lee
SATU EARRINGS
Testimonials
I absolutely love this necklace and have gotten several compliments already! The workmanship is excellent and the stones are really pretty.
Sharlynn
SEA SNAKE NECKLACE
Holly
MAHOGANY BUTTERFLY NECKLACE
Lee
SATU EARRINGS