The Buckeye Girl: Heart, Home, and Philanthropy in Scarlet & Gray
Sarah McClimans, known to many as “The Buckeye Girl,” has built a brand that’s as much about giving back as it is about handcrafted jewelry. Though she once spent winters in Key West and summers in Cape Cod, Ohio has always been her true home. The airport code CMH — Columbus My Home — perfectly captures her connection to the heart of Ohio.
Sarah’s journey is defined by her unwavering dedication to her community. She has invested her time and resources in countless organizations across Ohio, always striving to make a difference. From the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, where she started with a booth on the streets of Key West and later sailed alongside Buckeye fans and former players, to supporting the Stephanie Spielman Fund, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and more — her philanthropy has touched lives throughout the state.
She has met children from all walks of life, helping make dreams come true — whether it was singing on Broadway, visiting Disney World, traveling to Hawaii, or meeting a celebrity. Her creativity even led to meaningful custom pieces, like a watch with a pink ribbon face and Buckeye jewelry featuring the pink ribbon for cancer fundraisers.
Growing up in Upper Arlington, Sarah was always in the heart of Ohio pride. She set up at fundraisers for Earl Bruce’s Alzheimer’s charity and — just one year into making jewelry — even at the National Championship game in Arizona.
The Buckeye Girl’s signature polymer clay Buckeye began out of necessity — and creativity. In 2006, with just $32 and a Martha Stewart kit, she was determined to craft a better version after her real Buckeye earrings began to rot. Friends encouraged her to “come up with something better, Buckeye Girl,” and she did.
Sarah’s story is one of passion, resilience, and pride in her hometown. Her handmade jewelry is more than an accessory — it’s a celebration of Buckeye spirit, a tribute to the fans, and a reminder that for her, Columbus and Ohio will always be the heart of it all.
Bit-O-Beads Jewelry LLC was established in 2006 and operates as The Buckeye Girl, creating handcrafted jewelry inspired by Ohio pride, sea glass, and meaningful design.
What Is a Buckeye?
The Buckeye is more than just a nut from the Ohio Buckeye tree — it’s a powerful symbol of pride, spirit, and good fortune. Ohioans have carried Buckeye in their pockets for generations, believing they bring luck and protection. When football season arrives, these glossy brown treasures become a badge of loyalty. Fans wear Buckeye necklaces, players earn Buckeye leaves on their helmets, and together they celebrate the spirit of Ohio with every game.
Just like the teams and fans that make up Buckeye Nation, each Buckeye is unique — strong, resilient, and rooted in Ohio tradition. At The Buckeye Girl, we transform these beloved symbols into handcrafted jewelry so you can wear your Ohio pride everywhere you go.
