By Hannah Lazarte
“Look good. Feel good.”
This is the slogan for Junior Alina Truong’s small business, Pacific Jewelry. Truong correlates this slogan to how fashion is a big part of her and her idea of bringing your outfit together with jewelry. By selling a variety of jewelry and accessories, Truong helps fund her college and education.
“My business is a jewelry brand,” Truong said. “People can purchase necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and accessories.”
With her passion for arts and crafts, Truong started her career on Instagram at the age of twelve. She slowly expanded her profession by selling her first items to her neighbors and family members.
“When I turned twelve, I started up my first Instagram account (@pacific_jewelry) inspired by my older sister,” Truong said. “[My sister] said I should start a business. We started our business on Instagram, and we just went from there on.”
Promoting her business on Instagram and TikTok, she goes by the handle @pacific_jewelry and a backup account of @pacific_jewelry102.
Truong puts a lot of love, creativity and time into making each piece. Not only does Truong put effort into each piece, but she also prices each item to be inexpensive so people can afford it.
“When I started my business, I wanted others to feel good about themselves,” Truong said. “One of my goals in running a business is to spread positivity and really inspire others to love them for who they are as an individual.”
Managing her time well, Truong makes time to create jewelry, study for school and spend time with her family.
“[Having a school and business owner balance is] a bit hard, but I’ve been working for four years on my business. I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday and throughout the weekend,” Truong said. “I just kind of bounce [around and] I save some time to be able to make jewelry because I enjoy making it and also have some time for school and family.”
Creating accessories for her business isn’t the only thing Truong is interested in. She also has a passion for golf, hanging out with the people she loves and self-care.
“I enjoy practicing yoga, skincare, journaling and meditation, as well as crafting,” Truong said.
With her small business, Truong learned communication skills, found confidence and creativity and experienced the reality of running a business in the real world.
Her advice to future business owners? Start the business because of your love and interest in creating the work, not just for the profits.
Hoping to continue her business throughout high school and college, Truong plans to expand her business.
