VCHS Student Creates Small Business

Over the past year, the small business industry has grown rapidly. This is most likely from individuals picking up new hobbies during quarantine, while also having lower income. For others, it is simply a case of pursuing their passion while also sharing it with others. This is the case for high school Senior Olivia Olson who has recently picked up the hobby of jewelry stamping, and is now selling her jewelry so that others can share her excitement.

After her mother received a jewelry stamping tool called a “cricut” in 2019, Olivia realized that she needed a hobby and the idea of jewelry stamping peaked her interest. She asked for her first starter kit for her eighteenth birthday, and set off on the adventure of starting her own small business. Now, she mainly cre

ates customized metal bracelets, necklaces, rings, and keychains.

The process of jewelry stamping is fairly cursory. Depending on the jewelry, the stamping process can range anywhere from five to twenty-five minutes.

First, the customer must decide what kind of jewelry they want, as well as the color, font, and word/phrase that will be displayed on the item. Olson then takes the blank metal jewelry, and marks the center point. She then lines up every stamp (letter) starting in the middle and the actual stamping begins. The final step is

to bend the product to its final shape, so that it is ready for the customer.

Throughout the pandemic, the support of small businesses has become increasingly crucial in the success of small business owners. Olivia explains it best, saying “Most small businesses are created because the

owner has a passion for what they do. Small businesses make each community unique and they’re extremely important for small towns like ours. I think that every time you show support for a small business your letting the owner know that there are people who support them and what they are doing and that

is just really important in general.”

Right now, there are a few different ways you can purchase from Olivia. Samples can be viewed on her Instagram @doubleOstamps, and she can also be reached by email at olivia.olson11@ gmail. com. All items range from $7-$10.

For many, small businesses are no more than a convenient place to purchase a Christmas gift. For others, small businesses are hours of hard work put in to make strides towards their true passion. With support from the community, small businesses have the potential to thrive even in the hardest of times.