Sparta grad designing her way to success

Sparta - Creating a unique look is nothing new for recent Sparta High School graduate Amanda Wainio, who, despite her youth, already has developed quite an eye for fashion and design. Last summer Wainio began making jewelry to accessorize her own look. Her creative designs, originally seen on earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, eventually expanded to include bookmarks, medical bracelets, and phone charms. It didn’t take long for Wainio’s creations to draw attention from admirers. Almost immediately, friends and family began placing special orders with her. Wainio’s customers range in age from young students to grandparents, and she considers all ages when designing her jewelry. “People give me their heirloom jewelry to redesign or repair, which I do, using some old and new beads,” said Wainio. “I try to put different colors and charms together when I design, so everyone has variety to choose from. I have phone charms for all occasions, occupations, and holidays. I choose colors that are bright, and I use different beads to accent and enhance them.” Wainio quickly recognized the potential market for her trendy accessories and developed a business relationship with a consignment store in Ogdensburg, where her jewelry is currently for sale. Next door, the local Verizon store owner also took note of Wainio’s talent. “The owner of the Verizon store saw my jewelry and asked me to make some cell phone charms to sell in his store, too. The phone charms are my biggest sellers right now. The charms now are sold in four Verizon stores,” said Wainio. Business continued to expand for the young designer and she began selling her creations at Elaine’s Cheer Gear in Rockaway. The young entrepreneur’s confidence in her own creations was put to the test when owners of a Rent-A-John company put in a request for custom jewelry. The owners, who just happened to be Wainio’s grandfather and uncle, wanted to sell the jewelry at their vendor booth during a national trade convention the pair planned to attend in Tennessee. “They asked that all the items include an ‘outhouse charm.’ Although I never thought they’d sell, I made simple necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and phone charms … all with the outhouse charm included. They sold out the first day of the convention!” said Wainio. As a result of her success at the convention, Wainio’s talent caught the attention of Pumper Trucking magazine editor, who was so impressed with her jewelry that her story will be featured in an upcoming issue of the national magazine. Although Wainio’s business has become personally lucrative, producing an income that is allowing her to save for a car and college, she hasn’t forgotten her roots. Wainio has chosen to give back to the community where she got her start. In her spare time, she organizes fundraisers to benefit Sparta High School. “I donated 40 percent of my profits to the Sparta High School orchestra, and next year I hope to sell my charms at the their concerts. Right now I’m working on a sports fundraiser,” said the young designer. Although Wainio’s designs will change from piece to piece, her dedication and determination to excel at her craft remain fixed. The Sparta graduate and declared design major looks forward to gaining more insight into the world of design upon attending Centenary College this fall. “I am really excited about going to Centenary and learning more about fashion and clothing design. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I am glad that I found my passion early.” Wainio’s designs can be found on her Web site www.ajwjewelry.com.