When sophomore Aahana Soni founded AuraBracelets, she envisioned more than just a maneuver to promote stylish jewelry. Soni founded her small business with a clearer intention: destigmatizing the negative perceptions of eco-friendly fashion.
This past summer, Soni began selling beaded bracelets through AuraBracelets hoping to prove that jewelry could be both fashionable and sustainable.
“I chose the name AuraBracelets because I wanted something that tied my company together as a whole,” Soni said. “‘Aura’ means a persona created around something. With my company, I want to raise awareness about modern issues and how the simplest solution can make a difference. Who would think that the plastic bags you get from anywhere could be turned into jewelry?”
The bracelet’s eco-conscious design comes from the most integral part of the bracelet: the string. After cutting recycled plastic bags into thin strips, Soni stretches the strips until they become sturdy strings. Then, Soni attaches the clasps and beads, completing the bracelet.
Although Soni’s creativity and passion for environmental conservation may have been the recent catalyst for the creation of her business, her talent for crafting jewelry began years ago.
“During my eighth-grade summer, I really got into making beachy bracelets and jewelry for my friends and gifting it to them on their birthdays,” Soni said. “They told me I was good at it and should start something, but I didn’t want to just start a regular jewelry brand. I wanted to start something that actually made an impact. Something original.”
After spending years recreationally experimenting with different beads, figuring out which ones retained vibrancy and worked better with her style of bracelet-making, Soni began to take her hobby and apply it to a worthy cause.
“I didn’t start this company for the profit or money,” Soni said. “I started it with a goal in mind: change the perspective people have on recycling and show them the countless things that can be done with it.”
As a new business owner, Soni has enjoyed pursuing her passion while learning from her experiences.
“My favorite part of working a small business would be packing the bracelets and customizing them to each person,” Soni said. “It makes me realize how unique and different we all are and how we deserve to bring that out. So far, people really like my business and are shocked because they didn’t think that this could even be possible.”
Those close to Soni attribute her success to her enthusiasm and drive.
“She’s always been super responsible and hardworking, which has helped with growing her business,” senior Yufei Chen said. “Her bracelets are also super durable, and the plastic bag string is a great way to reuse a bag that may have just been thrown away as waste.”
Currently, AuraBracelets sells both bracelets and anklets, with prices varying based on the number of colored beads customers choose from. To purchase a bracelet or learn more about the brand, message Soni on Instagram @_aurabracelets.
