Managing a busy schedule with dance, cheerleading and homework, sophomore Ava Castiglia spends her weekends perfecting her bedazzling skills and running a small business. She sells rhinestoned hair clips, glass cups, makeup bags and hairbrushes, which are all customizable, and donates half of her profits to The Jed Foundation, a mental health and teenage suicide prevention charity.
“I’ve always loved arts and crafts and being creative,” Castiglia said. “I liked the idea of being able to take fun accessories and add my own spin on designs. Aside from that, I take pride in giving back, so I wanted to find a way to donate to a cause while enjoying what I’m doing at the same time.”
As hair clips continue to dominate the fashion world, they serve as one of Castiglia’s main products. She charges 10 dollars for clips, 20 dollars for glass cups, 15 dollars for hairbrushes and 18 dollars for makeup bags. Castiglia says she tries to make her products as affordable as possible while still making enough money to give back.
Originally taking this up as a hobby, she said her skills were far from perfect. However, over time, she has been able to grow and achieve success with her work.
“I have learned that perfection takes time and practice,” Castiglia said. “Making each item takes a long time, so patience is also key.”
Castiglia uses social media, specifically Instagram, as an outlet for her business where she posts her previous orders and her donations. To place an order, you can direct message her account or ask her in person.
Castiglia hopes to continue growing her establishment and improving her bedazzling skills. Looking to expand her business, she is eager to add more products to the list and gain more customers. Above all, she wants to serve as an example for other students who are looking to start a business by inspiring them to ignore what other people think and just take the risk.
“I started off worried that people wouldn’t like my work or would think it’s embarrassing, but over time I realized that as long as I love what I’m doing, I’m earning from it,” Castiglia said. “I’ve found a way for other people to gain from it too, and that’s all that matters.”
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