Vision Statement
Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away is a leader in the creative economy, a model for community based socially responsible business practices, and is rated one of the best bead stores in the United States.

Mission Statement
Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away values its customers and community and provides the highest quality beading products and services while conducting business in a socially responsible manner.

Values Statement
Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away provides high quality components and finished bead art in an atmosphere where people find their own creative expression. This is done in the spirit of collaboration and community building; offering support, instruction, stellar customer service, and a quality product line.

History
Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away was started by Dawn Harbor (Hartig) in 1987. She started selling her jewelry in the pedestrian mall in downtown Iowa City. Dawn then got a booth at the Farmer’s Market followed by a room in the Hall Mall, an alternative grouping of small businesses on the second floor of a building on College Street in downtown Iowa City. Her inventory expanded from finished jewelry to beads and components. Customers asked her to offer beading instruction.

In 1992, the business had grown enough to warrant Dawn hiring her first employee. In 1994, the store moved to its first storefront at 203 N. Linn Street, providing more foot traffic and exposure.

In 1997, Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away moved to 521 E. Washington Street, across from New Pioneer Cooperative Society. Dawn started participating in regional and national bead shows and her customer base continued to grow. In March of 2005, the store moved to its current location at 220 E. Washington Street, offering space for an expanded inventory, a space dedicated to finished jewelry, and studio/instructional space. As the owner expanded her talents, she created an associated business, Glass Harbor. Glass Harbor’s focus was on creating flame work glass beads and finished jewelry based on Glass Harbor beads. Dawn Harbor’s interest began to concentrate there.

In August of 2008, Dawn Harbor sold the store to Laurel Kubby and Karen Kubby, highly experienced bead work artists with long-time ties to Iowa City. Both are graduates of the University of Iowa.
Laurel is a practicing physician in Phoenix, Arizona, whose work has received multiple awards. Laurel has taught at The Bead & Button Show, provides private lessons, and creates architectural, one of a kind pieces of wearable art which she exhibits and offers for sale.
Karen is a long-term Iowa City resident who got her degree in science education. She made her living as a potter and bead worker for over 20 years, served on the City Council in Iowa City from 1989 – 2000 and was the Executive Director of the Emma Goldman Clinic from 1999 to 2008. Karen has taught seed bead classes and continues to create finished pieces of beadwork and pottery for sale.

Laurel and Karen have built upon the successful foundation laid by the previous owner. They have maintained the quality of products and services, while expanding its offerings, including a wider variety of classes. Dawn’s Hide & Bead Away places a focus on community building and best practices as a socially responsible business and remains committed to being a presence in downtown Iowa City.