Newtown High Grad Behind New Bead Shop in Milford

Colorful gems, beads of many sizes and precious stones sparkle inside the bright, open space at Milford-based Will-O-Wisp Beads & Boutique, a new shop that recently celebrated its opening.

Their sparkle is matched by the smile of shop owner Kira Nelson, a 32-year-old Milford resident and Newtown High School graduate, who beams with excitement as she talks about her new business at 51 River St. in Milford.

Nelson, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, is no stranger to the city.

Her parents, Doug and Marilea (Robbins) Nelson, have deep roots in the community and still own a home in the Laurel Beach area. Kira is also the fifth generation to live in her house in Milford. And she was the manager of a bead store that operated in the space prior to Will-O-Wisp.

Milford resident Mickey Plunkett remembers Kira from her days as manager.

"She's a sweetheart," Plunkett said as she browsed through the bead selection on Wednesday.

She said the store feels more open and more inviting now.

"It's great," Plunkett said. "I wish her much success."

Cyrus Settineri, owner of the Yankee Professional Building, which includes Will-O-Wisp, thinks Kira Nelson's business will do just that.

"The way the economy is, it's a great alternative to buying expensive jewelry," he said.

In addition to selling a vast selection of beads and associated supplies, Will-O-Wisp offers classes, designs and creates custom pieces and hosts parties. There's also a table in the shop where customers can sit and discuss design ideas or get tips from Kira, who has been beading for several years.

She said the name Will-O-Wisp came to her when she realized that the pieces she was creating, and the styles, were whimsical in nature.

Kira is not the only one in the Nelson family who makes things. Doug custom built the wood tables that house Will-O-Wisp's beads. He and his wife, residents of Newtown, were on hand for the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration.

They were joined by Milford Mayor James Richetelli, Nell Moll, director of membership, opportunities and enthusiasm for the Milford Chamber of Commerce; as well as other family, friends and community members.

With a few snips from a giant-sized pair of scissors, under sunny skies and to the sound of applause, Will-O-Wisp became the newest member of the Milford business community.

For more information, visit www.willowispbeads.com or call 203-713-8584.

Editor's note: This article originally ran in