We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

We're pleased to introduce you to Staci Tubbs, founder of Beads of Hope®. Stacy created this line of handmade beaded jewelry as a way to help raise awareness of childhood cancer, and at least 10% of the proceeds of every purchase goes directly toward cancer research.

Tell us a little about yourself and your company. I am a mom to 3 wonderful children. Beads of Hope® is a mission for me to bring awareness to childhood cancer.

How did you get started? My oldest son was diagnosed with cancer on his third birthday. We were told he would have to do chemo everyday for 3 1/2 years. 4 years off chemo and we are still suffering from many side effects. It wasn't until I started researching that I learned Childhood Cancer is the #1 disease killer in our children yet no one knows about it unless they have been affected by it. Of the children diagnosed 1 in 4 will not survive, 2 in 4 will suffer long term side effects (like Jakob has) and only 1 will go on to live a normal happy life.

So I started praying and praying and more praying. God laid a vision on my heart to start Beads of Hope® as a way to bring about awareness to childhood cancer and raise money for research. You see, each time someone puts our jewelry on their arm, ears or neck, they are going to remember where that jewelry came from and what it represents. When someone compliments them on how nice it is they are going to share Jakob's story and Beads of Hope®. It is by word of mouth that we are growing. I know in my heart one day Beads of Hope® will be a house hold name and that children like my son Jakob won't have to suffer any more. God has a plan to make this big. Our children are our future. If we don't do something now we will have no future.

Any advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs? Stick with it. Being an entrepreneur isn't easy. There are long hours and often thankless things. But in the end it is so worth it. It is like raising a child - at the end of the day you feel wonderful inside knowing what you have helped create.

What inspires your work? My children, God.

Who are your favorite designers? Raquel with House of Raquel

Where can people find your work? My website www.beadsofhope.com.

Anything else? Please join me in telling the world about Beads of Hope® and childhood cancer.