With each loop of wire and as every bead is hand-strung, a story takes shape, one built on curiosity, patience and passion.
What began as a simple experiment soon became a reflection of individuality and artistry.
For sophomore political science major, Alyssa Underwood, that journey started two years ago with a jewelry-making kit and an open mind, transforming a quiet hobby into a vibrant creative pursuit woven from gemstones, crystals and upcycled materials.
“It started as a hobby,” Underwood says. “I was just curious, I wanted to see how jewelry was made and try it for myself.”
Her interest evolved into a full-fledged creative pursuit. By March 2025, that passion took shape as her very own brand, BeadedByAlyssa, built around the idea of celebrating individuality through handcrafted accessories.
“My mom was a huge inspiration,” Underwood says. “She’s always been the type to accessorize no matter the occasion. I used to sneak into her jewelry box and try on her pieces. She never shied away from being bold, even turning her necklaces into bracelets just to make an outfit work. That confidence and creativity definitely rubbed off on me.”
As she experimented, Underwood began developing her own distinct style, a blend of natural and modern aesthetics. Her pieces combine gemstones, crystals and wooden beads with glass and metal chains, often incorporating upcycled materials like bamboo earrings.
“I love mixing textures and ideas,” she says. “I want my jewelry to feel earthy but expressive, something that fits any mood or occasion.”
Her process is as intuitive as it is intentional.
“It all starts with the materials,” Underwood says. “I visit local crystal and gemstone shops, and source glass beads both online and in person. My tools: pliers, string, clippers, are simple but reliable.”
Once she sits down to create, Underwood lets color and coordination guide her.
“I’ll imagine an outfit that would match the piece I’m making, it helps me visualize the final look. Then I put on music, get into the zone, and just let it flow.”
In just a few short months since launching her brand, Underwood has already crafted over 300 pieces of jewelry, including 35 custom designs and sold around 200 pieces through vendor fairs, in-person sales and online platforms.
Her investment of roughly $400 has generated over $2,000 in revenue, a sign of both her growing customer base and the scalability of her craft.
Balancing entrepreneurship with student life has not been easy.
“Coming back to school made it harder to find free time,” Underwood says. “Between classes, campus involvement, and work, I don’t always get to create as much as I’d like. But whenever I do, I make the most of it.”
Her dedication recently paid off when her jewelry was selected to be featured in the university’s fashion show, a milestone that reaffirmed her creative path.
The university community has also played a key role in shaping Underwood’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“Being surrounded by other student creators really motivated me,” Underwood says. “My peer mentor once told me that I could make something out of nothing if I put my mind to it. And that stuck with me. I always wanted to run a small business, and this year, I finally did.”
Underwood connects with most of her customers through vendor events, where she can share her story face-to-face.
“That’s my favorite part, talking with people, seeing them try on my pieces, and hearing which ones speak to them,” Underwood says.
She also reaches new audiences through her social media business page on Instagram (@beadedbyalyssa_) and word-of-mouth referrals, often hosting themed sales around holidays or special events.
“It’s a fun way to engage people, like a back-to-school or summer sale. It makes the brand feel personal and connected.”
Looking ahead, Underwood hopes to expand her reach beyond local markets.
“My goal is to launch a website and share my jewelry with people around the world,” Underwood says. “I want to keep growing, experimenting with new designs, and creating collections that reflect both my evolution as an artist and the individuality of those who wear my pieces.”
Each bracelet, necklace and earring carries a fragment of Underwood’s story, a testament to her curiosity, creativity and courage.
“As my brand evolves, I aim to keep experimenting, crafting new pieces and seasonal collections that reflect my growth as a creator and celebrate the individuality of those who wear them,” Underwood says.
With every new design, she continues to transform personal expression into wearable art, pieces that not only tell her story but invite others to share their own.
