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OCT.22, 2024—Two Middle School students took an idea and turned it into a successful business.

6th graders Ashlyn and Lilliana officially launched “Lovely Beadz,” where they hand-make bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

This all started last year when Ashlyn received a bead kit for her birthday. She says the creative process provided a way to relax and end boredom. Then, after some chatting, she approached Liliana with an idea.

“I just liked making the bracelets, and [Lilliana]  had a couple of beads and I asked her if we could sell them together and we went from there,” Ashlyn said.

The friend duo started selling their designs at the beginning of the school year, and are already seeing it grow!

 Their first opportunity came when they decided to participate in the Gananda Garage   Sales. They set up a table outside of a family member’s house and earned over $200     in sales in just a couple of hours.

 The next opportunity came a few weeks later at Harvest on the Canal in Palmyra.   Ashlyn and Lilliana said sales were more than double what they earned at their first   event. In addition to the premade accessories they sold, the girls said they also took   special orders that were made while people walked around.

 Each accessory takes about 15-20 minutes.

 Lilliana says they split the earnings for some pocket money, but funds are also used to buy more kits. The two students catch up after school to make new sets. 

 Customers not only get to take home an accessory, they also receive a sticker of the Lovely Beadz logo, which Ashlyn and Liliana designed themselves.

 "We were shocked that we could actually do something like this, and I think it brought us closer together as friends,” Ashlyn said.

Their next event is a Oct. 26 craft show at the Palmyra Community Center. The girls say they may also make an appearance at an art show in November, and possibly partner with a local business in December.