Crafting Memories: The Sweet Story Behind BomBom Beads

Long before BomBom Beads became a reality, there was a little girl who found magic in the small, sparkling things in life. Lisa Lewis, our “BomBom Bae” and founder of BomBom Beads, grew up surrounded by the vibrant energy of California. Her imagination was especially captivated by her Portuguese heritage and the treasures her parents brought back from their worldly travels. The bright colors, intricate designs, and little mementos from far-off places sparked a lifelong fascination with tiny treasures – and, most importantly, a sense of connection to her family's roots.

One of Lisa’s earliest and fondest memories is visiting her grandparents. Each visit to their home included a detour to the local penny candy store – for the sweet, shiny, jewel-like candies that filled the shelves. These candies weren’t just treats; they were a source of inspiration. They represented moments of joy, sweetness, and a simple yet profound reminder that the smallest things often carry the biggest memories.

It's funny, anyone who knows me from the past would know that I typically am not one for color especially when it comes to fashion. You could always expect to see me in neutral tones and particularly black but as I immersed myself in the world of jewelry, I fell in love with color. In the way it showed up in my designs but also in the way that it added that extra pop to any outfit you put on. When I think about creating new pieces, color has been a huge starting point. I might see something out and about like the green of the grass or the dark red that the hydrangeas changed over to this fall - color is all around us and that is a huge inspiration that drives my process. I specifically love hand beading - its my meditation. Laying out the beads on my board, considering the design and really thinking about how it will look. I don't design anything I wouldn't wear myself, so it has to start with something I am passionate about but that I also feel would be a piece that many women could relate to or want in their arsenal of goodies. Quality is everything to me. There is so much jewelry out there - some expensive that breaks after a few times of use. I am very meticulous about the materials I use and ensuring that the pieces can be versatile but also last. I use only 14K solid gold for permanent jewerly for a reason - if you are going to wear something permanently, you want it to be 100% - that means staying pure in its gold color and never tarnishing. My beads are mostly glass beads - there have certainly been times that I have selected beads that have been dyed that over time, their patina changes but I continue to seek out partners that withstand their color process so that you can wear your beads in the shower or when you are swimming and that they stay true to their color. Sometimes that means testing things on myself for months on end to make sure there are no issues. That's how intentional I am about what I use in our products.

Fast forward to the quieter moments of her adult life where Lisa, now a mother, found herself looking for a creative outlet while caring for her newborn son. The quiet chaos of those early days of motherhood allowed her to reconnect with her childhood love of beads and jewelry. What began as a creative outlet during those early days of motherhood soon blossomed into a full-blown passion. Amid the quiet moments of caring for her newborn son, Lisa began crafting handmade beaded jewelry – each piece a reflection of the memories and moments that had shaped her.

And so, BomBom Beads was born. The name itself is a tribute to her Portuguese roots – "BomBom" being the word for candy – and a nod to the sweet, nostalgic memories that inspired her. Every bracelet and necklace she creates is imbued with that same sense of joy and nostalgia, making each piece feel like a little memory you can wear.

Portugal and the community of their craft in so many ways, inspires me, from the ceramics, to the pottery or cork making - the beautiful patterns and color have inspired some of my work. The La Flor Doce Collection is a great example. These cloisonne beads are from Japan but when I saw them at the bead show in Arizona, I was so drawn to the rich green color and the pink florals - it made me think of Portugal so much and I could picture seeing a tile wall somewhere in Lisbon with the same floral pattern and print. This collection was also special because I made it at the time my 95 year old vavo (grandmother) passed away. I was the first grandchild for her and we had a bond like no other. She kept the portuguese language alive for me and I hope to continue to honor in some of the work I do and the inspiration I breathe in from her culture and heritage.

But BomBom Beads isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about celebrating life’s sweetest moments and turning them into something tangible. Every piece is handcrafted with care and attention to detail, using materials sourced from around the world to reflect the rich, diverse cultures that have influenced Lisa’s designs. No two pieces are exactly alike, much like no two memories are identical – each is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation meant to evoke emotion, connection, and personal style.

Through her handcrafted designs, she invites others to celebrate their own stories – to find the beauty in small moments and wear them proudly. Shop the BomBom Bae's Favs and discover Lisa's handpicked selection of pieces that capture the essence of BomBom Beads – sweet, nostalgic, and uniquely yours.

Shop Lisa's Picks

La Flor Doce: The Grande Necklace

The Candy Wrap XL Bracelet

The Turkish Delight Bracelet