Meet Amanda Olivera | Owner of Alis Volat Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Olivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was never part of the plan. Honestly, I didn’t think it was even a possibility for someone like me. Growing up, I believed success meant getting a good education, landing a stable career, and eventually retiring. And I did all of that—well, except for retiring—but something still felt off. I had checked all the boxes, yet I felt unfulfilled. Lost, even.

That feeling sparked what I now call my awakening. I realized there had to be more to life—that maybe the version of success I had been chasing wasn’t mine to begin with. I wanted more freedom, more passion, and more purpose. I wanted to wake up excited about how I was spending my time.

Jewelry has always held a special place in my heart. My earliest and fondest memories are of sitting with my mom and grandma, admiring their jewelry and listening to the stories behind each piece. Jewelry was never just an accessory—it was emotion, memory, connection. I knew I wanted to build something that could do the same for others.

So, I took a leap of faith. I invested my entire savings into something that felt true to me. I taught myself how to weld, sourced my own materials, and began offering permanent jewelry. I learned to trust my intuition, to pivot when plans didn’t work out, and to see setbacks as invitations to grow.

Starting my business has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. It has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally, connected me with incredible people, and opened doors I never imagined. Today, I feel more aligned, more empowered, and more me than ever before.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
To truly understand Alis Volat Jewelry, you have to know the meaning behind the name. “Alis Volat” is short for the Latin phrase Alis Volat Propriis, meaning she flies with her own wings. I got this phrase tattooed on my left arm in my early twenties—a time when I was learning how to navigate life on my own terms. It became a reminder that no matter what life throws my way, I hold the power to create my own path.

Years later, when I found myself feeling lost and unfulfilled, I decided it was time to make a change. As I brainstormed names for my new business, I looked down at my arm and realized the name had been with me all along. It perfectly captured what I wanted this journey to represent: freedom, independence, and the courage to believe in myself.

Building Alis Volat Jewelry from the ground up hasn’t been easy. I had no business background, no social media strategy, and no idea if anyone would believe in what I was creating. But I chose to lean into the fear, vulnerability, and discomfort—because staying stuck felt scarier than trying. Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t let fear stop me. This journey has helped me grow into the person I was always meant to be.

Starting this business was more than a career move—it was a turning point in my life. It helped me discover my strength, gave me purpose, and got me through some of my darkest times. It’s shown me what’s possible when you bet on yourself. And now, I want others to feel that same power when they wear our jewelry. Life is short—why not live it fully, chase what excites you, and leave behind a story you’re proud of?

At Alis Volat Jewelry, we specialize in permanent jewelry, non-permanent jewelry, and hollow needle piercings. Our pieces are thoughtfully made for everyday wear using high-quality materials like 14k gold fill, sterling silver, and 14k gold-plated stainless steel. We believe jewelry should be an extension of who you are—no rules, just expression. We want every customer to feel bold, beautiful, and fully themselves when they wear our pieces. Because when you feel good in what you wear, you carry yourself differently—with confidence, power, and grace.

Yes, there are many other similar businesses in this space. But what sets us apart is our energy, our vision, and the deep, genuine connection we form with our community. I’m incredibly proud of the organic growth we’ve achieved—fueled by word-of-mouth, loyal return customers, and authentic relationships. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is this: my superpower is that no one else is me. I’m not in competition with anyone else. I grow by learning, by pivoting when needed, and by always staying open to what’s next.

Everything I do—from sourcing materials to greeting customers—is rooted in intention. You can expect a warm, honest, and human experience every time. Because this brand isn’t just about jewelry—it’s about empowerment, connection, and celebrating the person you’re becoming.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would start our morning with breakfast at Alebrijes Cafe and Grill. I highly recommend the chilaquiles rojos con chorizo. After breakfast we would need to walk off our food and do some shopping. Some of my favorite local shopping spots are Retail Therapy AZ and Terra Cactus Boutique. Retail Therapy AZ has three locations, featuring over 300 local small business that you can shop from. Terra Cactus Boutique is Latina owned and located in Goodyear. The store owners, Gio and Tanya make you feel welcomed and they always have the most beautiful clothing to shop from. Next up, we would stop by Huarachis for some delicious food and drinks. I would also want my friend to check out some of my favorite local markets such as Artisan Alley at Westgate (this takes place two Friday’s a month, First Friday, and Grass Clippings Rolling Hills farmers market. Once a month there are two incredible events that take place that I would definitely want my friend to experience. The first is Tios & Tias, which is presented by DJ Chris Villa. This event feels like you are at a family barbeque with great music, special guest DJ’s, good vibes and friendly people. The second event is Roosevelt Jawn. This event features guest DJ’s from all over the country, unique music, an environment where you can come as your authentic self and just vibe out and let your body move to the music. For a little bonding, I would stop by The Modern Hippie in Scottsdale and get matching bestie tattoos with my friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was raised by my grandparents and my mom. Being first-generation in this country, my upbringing looked a little different. They worked in agriculture—some of the most demanding, physically exhausting jobs out there—but they never complained. In fact, they were proud. Grateful to have work. Grateful to be able to provide.

Every summer, starting when I was just five years old, I would go to work with them picking cherries. I still remember my mom looking at me and saying, “Stay in school, get a good job, so you don’t have to do this kind of work. Make something of yourself.” I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but even then, I felt the weight of that message. I understood the value of hard work and the privilege of being born in this country.

That sense of responsibility never left me. I carried it with me through everything—motivated by their example of grit, optimism, gratitude, kindness, and the unwavering belief in never giving up. I did everything I could to honor their sacrifices. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, becoming the first in my family to do so. And now, as a business owner, I’m proud to continue that legacy.

I share this not just to tell my story, but to give credit where it’s due. I wouldn’t be here without the foundation my mom and grandparents laid—their sacrifices, made without certainty, simply fueled by the hope of a better future. Because of them, I have the privilege of choice.

My jewelry is more than adornment. It’s a reflection of who I am—and a tribute to the generations who came before me. It represents possibility, resilience, and the belief that dreams can come true.

Instagram: @alisvolatjewelry

Other: Our non permanent jewelry can be purchased at the following locations:

Retail Therapy AZ inside of Scottsdale Fashion Square

Retail Therapy AZ at Westgate Entertainment District

For private party inquiries we can be reached via direct message on Instagram or via email at alisvolatjewelry@gmail.com