Maris Ivy Adkins
Anomaly8Designs
What started as a crafty hobby quickly evolved into a booming business for Maris Ivy Adkins , an 11th grade student at Clay County High School . At the end of 2019 , Adkins began making earrings for herself , which became an enjoyable and creative release outside of going to school . The idea of starting an Etsy shop materialized as she honed her jewelry-making skills , and by February 2020 , she opened Anomaly8Designs . Adkins knew she had something to offer individuals who wanted to wear quirky and bold earrings at affordable prices .
While Anomaly8Designs sells earrings for everyone , Adkins is passionate about catering to the LGBTQ community . As a result , many of her earring designs offer a unique way to showcase pride .
“ I want to empower young people and give them the courage to express themselves through their appearance ,” Adkins says .
In its first few months , Anomaly8Designs received around 10 orders per week , but this rapidly changed when a TikTok user made a video about unconventional jewelry that represents pride . Anomaly8Designs was one of the main features in the video , and within minutes , the small business exploded with orders . According to Adkins , the weekend following the video release was hectic since she went from receiving 10 orders per week to 50 or 60 orders per day .
“ It was then it really became a family affair ,” she says . “ I had to enlist help from my mom , stepdad and grandmother — anyone with a pair of extra hands . The business has continued to grow from there . This boost gave me the money I needed to add extra items and the confidence to keep going . I now have a huge customer base .”
Currently , Adkins runs the business full-time alongside her mother , who left her career as a legal assistant at Warner Law Offices to assist with Anomaly8Designs . The young business owner is not only managing a successful jewelry company but is simultaneously attending school . She has had to learn time management and personal responsibility to succeed in both her business and the classroom . Most high schoolers do not have the unique experience of becoming a business owner at such a young age .
Following high school graduation , Adkins plans to attend college in Pittsburgh , PA . In the meantime , her business ’ success is only growing . She has grown from offering 100 unique designs to around 2,000 .
“ Work is hard , but it ’ s necessary . I am so lucky to be able to do what I am doing ,” she says . •
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