By Pranathi Chitta
staff writer
@prannydacheetah

Ali Vazquez was looking for a necklace on etsy.com during the summer. She came with $20 but couldn’t find anything in her budget.

Frustrated, Vazquez then had an idea and life has been much different ever since with the launch of her own jewelry business.

“I got the idea to begin the store when I saw other online stores which had a very high price range,” Vazquez said. “So I just thought to myself, I can make the same thing so, why shouldn’t I?”

Vazquez opened her store up with host, storenvy.com. She began by selling chokers, which is why she named it “Choked”. Soon she began selling other jewelry.

“I have bought bracelets, chokers and many necklaces from Ali’s store already,” senior Ali Lewis said. “Although her store only began in the summer, she has been getting a lot of sales so far.”

Lewis and Vazquez have been friends throughout high school and Lewis would critique some of Vazquez’s creations. Lewis has also helped Vazquez to spread the word of her store.

“When some of my friends ask me where I get my stuff from, I tell them from Ali Vazquez, which influences them to check out her store,” Lewis said.

Customer Jasmin Ko is a big fan of Vazquez’s jewelry.

“I absolutely adore [the jewelry], it’s beautifully handmade,” Ko said. “I love how [Vazquez] brought back 90s chokers and that she is coming up with really hot styles.”

Although the materials were difficult to obtain, Vazquez’s determination never allowed her to give up.

“At first I had no idea what I was doing or how to run a business but then I got the hang of it and I began promoting it through social media,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez is hosting online giveaways on social media for followers that promote her company.

“I spend my profit on materials and get more money back through sales,” Vazquez said.

She spends her week days making the jewelry and by the weekend her styles are ready to be shipped to her eager customers. To guide her with this, Vazquez’s mother, Mary Szefyk, has also been very supportive.

“I was shocked and proud to see that Ali’s creations went national through the power of social media,” Ms. Szefyk said. “I know she puts love into each creation.”

Szefyk promotes Vazquez through her own social media, she also believes that the store will transform into something successful.

“Everyday is a learning process for Ali since she is always seeking knowledge,” Szefyk said. “I have already noticed the growth and customer base coming back to purchase more.”

Vazquez is considering expanding her product line in the future.

“I hope to keep this going,” Vazquez said. “And I hope to meet other people who I can collaborate with in future.”

To find out what Vazquez is creating next, visit her online store at choked.storenvy.com.

“I just want to thank her for making these awesome chokers and bringing the 90s accessories back,” Ko said. “I recommend everyone to go check out her website, you won’t regret it.”