Small Business of the Day: Sari Blue

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Small Business of the Day: Sari Blue

What: Handmade jewelry using Turkish evil eye beads

Who: Christine Lorenzo, 42, @bigandsari

Where: Boston, Mass.

How: Lorenzo had been working full-time in the corporate world as a human resources director, however she had always longed to have a more creative career. After traveling to Turkey multiple times on business, she was struck by Turkish art, culture and history, and decided to incorporate handmade "evil eye" beads into jewelry she began to make.

"In my heart I always wanted something creative—my interest was in design, fashion and art," Lorenzo said. "The economy impacted my role (in the corporate world) and my time and salary diminished. With my life turning upside down in a bunch of ways this was the time for me to try for something I wanted to do."

When: Spring 2011

In her own words: "These beads have been made by generations within the Turkish culture," she said. "They're not just one-off beads made by anyone. They are a super-important part to the jewelry I make."