Meet Bethan Edwards | Shop Owner; Designer & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethan Edwards and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethan, how do you think about risk?
I very much believe that calculated risks are crucial to success and happiness. My current occupation as boutique owner of Piggle and Pop was not a straight shot to get to, and a series of risks and chances fueled the path that led me here. I graduated with a Biology degree- I started off in pharmaceutical/cardiac research, but realized it wasn’t a good fit for me. I always had a passion for cooking, and enrolled in culinary school at night, graduated and left my corporate job for a line cook position at one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia (Zahav). After a few years I left the restaurant industry and fell back on my bio experience to work a remote cardiac job. During this time I had a creative itch that needed to be scratched and launched my handmade jewelry business. My shop, Piggle and Pop, has weaved in and out of motherhood with me over the last 12 years. Even though my career trajectory sounds disconnected on paper, I have gained skills in each endeavor that have contributed to my current success as a business owner. Each leap had its own set of risks and consequences but I have no doubt each step was the right one at the right time. My husband has similarly taken risks and jumps in his career which has led our family from Philadelphia to Cincinnati and finally to Frisco where we have lived for the last 4 years. Risk is a driving force to keep moving forward. As a one-person business the risk is all on me, so it can be very personal. This aspect has fueled a lot of personal growth over the years, which I am thankful for.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Piggle and Pop, features handcrafted floral hair accessories and beautifully unique jewelry; all handmade designs or curated vintage finds. Currently based in Frisco, TX USA. My shop was established in 2011, and has always been owned & operated solely by myself. I have a wide variety of interests, and as a one-person shop there is truly never a dull moment. If I don’t know how to do something, I will learn it. I am a big believer of “fake it till you make it”. I hand make all my jewelry designs, carefully repair the vintage pieces, I do all my own modelling & photography, graphic design, maintenance of marketplaces and social media, packaging and shipping of orders just to name a few. I am constantly finding new life to bring to my boutique, and have recently become very inspired by the vintage side of my shop. I have been spending a lot of time researching and creating cohesive vintage looks (heavy on the 50’s and 60’s) with make-up and hairstyling, that present the vintage pieces in my shop not as costumey- but as modern and accessible for today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow that’s a tall order! One thing about Frisco is that it is overwhelming how many things there are to do. We have only been here 4 years and half of time was very twin baby-centric, so I’m not sure I am the best person for this question. As a family with 4 young kids we LOVE how many incredible parks there are in the area. We love Bonnie Wenk Park for the variety of playgrounds and walking trails and all the dogs you get to meet there. I would definitely take them to Oishii for dinner which is the best sushi I have ever had and they have great drinks and a chill atmosphere. If they are from out of town Babes and Hutchins BBQ are obvious go-tos, esp with the Heritage Museum next door. A Stars, Rangers or Mavericks game would also be great fun. I love all the colorful murals in downtown McKinney so dinner and drinks at the Yard in nice weather and walk about is always a nice evening. I recently just heard about a 1920’s cocktail lounge (Columbian Country Club) that opened in Dallas which is right up my alley- my friends and I will definitely be checking that out soon- it looks incredible! No matter what you are in the mood for, you can find it here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to say my husband, Rob! He is my biggest supporter and he has always nudged me forward to take risks I probably wouldn’t have on my own. I am a chronic over-thinker and he is a “just do it!” type, so we make a great team. He encouraged me to leave the corporate world and pursue my chef dreams after graduating culinary school, he was there when that journey was completed and I launched my shop and it took over his apartment in the city. He is an intuitive and positive person who has enjoyed seeing my ideas come to life. My shop has been part of our family for 12 years, and has moved and grown with us. He is a very dedicated father to our children and never hesitates to give me the alone time I need to catch up on the weekends. We have very full lives and careers and having such a strong and balanced relationship through the hustle and bustle has been crucial to our success.

Website: www.PiggleAndPop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piggleandpop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiggleandPop

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PiggleAndPop

Image Credits
Bethan Edwards, Piggle and Pop LLC