By Anjali Nayak & Jupiter Polevoi
Based on Etsy, Mystical Malachite is a macrame jewelry business owned and operated by Westmont student Amanda Kappenman. With a variety of products hand made by the owner herself, the shop provides a sense of warmth and an amiable atmosphere. Amanda values the connection between owner and client, making sure that each customer is especially satisfied with their experience. If you are looking for an ethical, eco-friendly, small business to buy chokers, necklaces, and rings, you can contact Amanda through instagram (@mysticalmalachite) or Etsy (@mysticalmalachiteco).
What’s your favorite piece you’ve made for a client?
MM: Some of my favorite pieces that I’ve made for clients are my customized astrological big three necklaces. They’re much more personalized pieces so I love making jewelry that my customers have more of a connection to.
What’s your favorite part of running a small business?
MM: When running a small business, I love being able to have an outlet to express my creativity and further share it with others. Going off of that, seeing customers wearing and enjoying their jewelry brings me a sense of joy. Not only am I able to see their enjoyment with the piece(s) but also how they style and express them.
What inspired you to start a small business?
MM: I’ve always had a connection to working with crystals and wanted to create a way to incorporate them in my day to day life by wearing them around with me. Without knowing how to work with wire at the time, I first used the leftover bracelet string that I had lying around. After learning how to use macrame knotting techniques, I upgraded to a better thread and decided to share my jewelry as both a fashion and spiritual statement.
Are there any upcoming pieces/drop ideas that you can tell the press?
MM: In the future I hope to create customized jewelry boxes based on astrological placements. To give you an idea of what these will look like, I hope to have three different types of boxes curated to different amounts of placements. For example, ones specifically for your sun sign, one for your big three, and/or a larger option for all of your placements. Similarly to my big three necklaces, my goal is to be able to create more personalized jewelry that my customers can connect with.
Sunbox Designs:
Boasting a diverse array of products and its very own website, Sunbox Designs is a small brand created by Westmont’s very own Keira Devita. Although starting as a second hand online shop, Sunbox Designs quickly evolved into an original brand, all designs and products being made by Devita herself. Searching for fashionable crewnecks, rings, and necklaces? Look no further! Contact Keira through Instagram (@sunbox.designs) and online (https://sunboxdesigns.com/home).
What’s your favorite piece you’ve made for a client?
SD: My favorite piece(s) I’ve made for my clients are my new crystal rings. They’re made from real crystals and copper wire, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. They take longer than rings I’ve made in the past, but I’m really happy with my improvement since then.
What’s your favorite part of running a small business?
SD: My favorite part of running a small business is definitely being able to meet people through the small business community. Another reason is the feeling of joy and satisfaction when I get reviews from my customers. I love seeing them content with the pieces that I know I put my hard work into.
What inspired you to start a small business?
SD: I originally started in June 2020 as a second hand thrifting business, really because I wanted an excuse to go thrifting. After I did that for a while, I realized that I wanted a business to my name and that I wanted to sell things that I, myself, made. This turned into my current business, Sunbox Designs in around February 2021 and I’ve been consistent with it ever since.
Are there any upcoming pieces/drop ideas that you can tell the press?
SD: Yes! I’m planning on launching clothing for winter, and I’m also going to start up an Etsy to sell and promote my crystal wire rings and upcoming projects. Definitely stay tuned!
TayMadeRings
Junior Taylor Casillas sells unique, handmade rings through the shop TayMadeRings. Using creative aspects like astrological signs and crystals, Taylor doesn’t fail to wow her audience with fun and creative products. Originally a fun hobby, Casillas decided to start making and selling rings online on Etsy (TayMadeRings).
What is your favorite piece you’ve made for a client?
TMR: My favorite piece I’ve made for a client is my custom lover’s zodiac ring. It’s a stamped ring with two zodiacs separated by a heart! It actually inspired me to create a new listing of rings like those.
What is your favorite thing about running a small business?
TMR: my favorite thing about running a small business is definitely seeing customers happy with their products! I love reading reviews and seeing pictures of people with their rings, it makes me so happy!
What inspired you to start a small business?
TMR: I started with making simple wire rings in october 2020, and had a great time making them! So I was like “hey, why not sell these?” From then on, I’ve continued to grow and it’s been such a great learning experience for me.
