For sophomore Gia Vakklaganti, an outfit is never complete without at least one piece of jewelry. Whether
it be through adding a pair of glittering gold earrings or a dazzling necklace, Vakklaganti’s passion for jewelry extends beyond her outfits and into her online business. Vakklaganti’s interest in jewelry-making began with a casual visit to her mom’s friend’s house where she noticed a set of tools lying around, and quickly blossomed into a passion she is deeply invested in.
“I literally fell in love with (jewelry-making) as soon as I (was introduced),” she said. “I bought so
many materials, and I just kind of redid what (my mom’s friend) had taught me to do over and over again, and it just evolved from there.”
While her journey began with beads and wire, a popular introductory medium, Vakklaganti now finds her favorite material to be resin. Resin is a versatile, clear liquid material that can be dyed or shaped using molds
and cures into a glass-like solid. Although she prefers resin, her style is inspired by the florals and intricacy of clay jewelry.
“I think resin is such a creative medium to use because it allows me to literally do anything,” she said. Obviously, there are some restrictions, like the molds that I use, but you really don’t have to limit yourself (when designing) so that’s why I feel like I embody it.”
Vakklaganti’s process begins with a search for inspiration either in her head or on Pinterest if she is struggling to think of an idea. Afterwards, she begins to pick out her molds. Since Vakklaganti’s style is inspired by clay jewelry, she often uses a mix of clay and resin molds to create her decorations and bases for her jewelry. Colors depend on what she imagines she would want as a customer herself, or a selection from various color palettes she sees in the environment
around her and online. Assembling jewelry requires a steady hand and an eye for detail. While Vakklaganti loves her pieces and ensures each one reflects her passion for creating, she wouldn’t personally wear it.
“I’ve always said this, and I’ve always heard mixed responses, but I never wear my own jewelry,” she said. “I would love to, but it’s really not my style. I feel like my jewelry definitely doesn’t reflect who I am, but it definitely reflects my
creativity.”
Vakklaganti finds that the style of her jewelry better suits her audience, which consists of mainly people around her mom’s age. Although she did not initially plan on turning her hobby into a business, the support from her friends and family encouraged her to start selling her jewelry online and at markets. Handling her business can be challenging, but Vakklaganti finds it to be an avenue for her to express her creativity and divert her attention from school.
“Obviously, marketing is a pain, managing the website’s a pain, and it’s also expensive, but making the jewelry is just so fun that it can be used as a break from studying or a break from everything,” she said. “I just turn on my music and do my thing.”
