With a retail boutique in the front and a jewelry-making studio in the back, Snoqualmie resident Anne Jackson’s new business offers something colorful for anyone.

She recently opened SimplyAnne Party Boutique at 8050 Railroad Avenue, Snoqualmie, in the former site of La Chicanita. Jackson’s creations are on view in the front of the shop, while the studio hosts special events, from birthday parties and girls’ nights out to team building events and youth clubs.

Jackson and her family moved to the Northwest from Austin, Texas, in 2009.

“My son Ian had seen a friend wearing a necklace he liked and asked if I would make him one for his new school,” she told the Record. “I designed a simple tile necklace with a cougar on it and he and his friends loved it.”

Jackson quickly realized she loved making jewelry. As her new home began to fill with designs, she started sending pieces to friends in Texas, adding guitar picks to her work—after all, Austin is a music capital of the world.

As her friends passed them around and the demand grew, she started selling pieces locally. Jackson was encouraged to open a store after her first house party in Snoqualmie, where nearly every piece sold.

Jackson designs and makes nearly every piece by hand, so they’re all special, she says.

She is a certified Texas elementary teacher, and loves working with children.

“I have truly created my dream—a store that not only carries my pieces but a place where I can teach children and adults how to make different pieces of jewelry,” Jackson says.

• Call SimplyAnne Party Boutique at (425) 954-5240.