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FREWSBURG - There was a time the craft of jewelry making was used for healing purposes by Amanda Slagter during a down time in her life.

Now, it's her career.

Ms. Slagter is the owner of the new business Soul Shine Creations, which is part of the VSK Emporium Plaza, 54 W. Main St., Frewsburg.

The store features hand-crafted jewelry, beads and jewelry making supplies, wire wrappings and bride and bridal party jewelry. The business also features classes in jewelry making for advanced and beginning learners, as well as hosting jewelry making parties, where Ms. Slagter comes to your home or holds the party at Soul Shine Creations.

Ms. Slagter said she became interested in jewelry making while at a halfway house in Batavia, where she was working to regroup and turn her life around.

''I needed a hobby, something to do. So I started making jewelry,'' she said. ''It was very therapeutic to do. It was something I enjoyed immensely.''

Ms. Slagter said she had a good response from others on her jewelry making skills and thought it would be a good career path.

In 2008, Ms. Slagter returned to Frewsburg - where she had lived as a child - and became a partner at The Bead Shack, located at 30 W. Main St., Frewsburg.

After her time there, a place became available in the VSK Emporium Plaza and Ms. Slagter took the opportunity to open her first business about four months ago. The move is a decision she is glad she made.

''I love being part of VSK Emporium Plaza,'' she said. ''I love the community aspect. It's a one-stop shopping plaza.''

The plaza also features Kit'n Kaboodle Antiques And Treasured Memories, Anthony's Cafe and a flea market, with possibly a new store being opened during the upcoming months.

Soul Shine Creations is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and can be reached by calling 485-1988.