Starting AVARA wasn’t something I planned. It began with a simple desire to make jewelry again — something I used to love doing back in middle and high school. I’ve always been drawn to creating with my hands, and I even took jewelry-making classes back then. Life got busy, though, and I put it aside for years.
A few months ago, I picked it back up. I didn’t start with a business plan or a launch date. I just needed a creative outlet. But as I started designing pieces again, something clicked. This felt like more than just a hobby. I shared it with my brother, who not only encouraged me to take it seriously — but actually came up with the name “AVARA.”
That moment changed everything.
Since then, I’ve been building AVARA from the ground up while finishing college, working, and juggling life. It’s a one-woman brand. Every piece is handmade by me. I run the website, create the content, handle packaging, write product copy, manage shipping — all of it. It’s a lot. But it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned so far:
1. Start before you're ready.
If I had waited until I felt “official” or totally prepared, I would’ve never launched. Sometimes you have to let imperfect action be enough. The details can be figured out along the way — and they will.
2. It doesn’t have to be big to be real.
AVARA is small — on purpose. I create in small batches, work from a tiny desk in my apartment, and package everything myself. But none of that makes it less valid or meaningful. There’s power in doing things quietly, with care.
3. Your brand is built through your decisions, not your logo.
I spent way more time thinking about product names, customer experience, packaging touches, and how I wanted people to feel when they interacted with AVARA than I did designing the logo. That’s what makes a brand — the details, the values, and the consistency.
4. Time management is everything.
Running a small business while finishing my degree has forced me to get serious about how I spend my time. Not every hour can be “productive,” but being clear on my priorities has helped me move forward even when things feel overwhelming.
5. Connection matters more than perfection.
The best feedback I’ve received hasn’t been about how polished the jewelry looks — it’s been people saying the brand feels warm, intentional, or like something they want to be part of. That means everything. It’s not about perfect photos or big numbers — it’s about building something that resonates.
Starting AVARA has been a huge learning experience, and I’m still figuring things out every day. But I’m proud of what I’m building and grateful for the people who have supported me along the way.
If you’re sitting on an idea, I hope this encourages you to go for it. You don’t need it all figured out. You just need to start.
Thanks for reading — and for supporting something that started as a small idea and turned into something really meaningful.