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

Hi Alexis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always loved making jewelry and customizing accessories with Swarovski Crystals. I would get lost for hours creating and customizing pieces. Initially it started out as hobby and years later (2019) we made it official with our Etsy shop. The feedback that I received from so many people was you should sell this. Which then turned into repeat customers. The story behind us is my grandmother “Vera”. She was artist who created beautiful macramé purses and accessories. She was also the most positive person you would ever want. So, it made perfect sense to continue her legacy by making and curating beautiful jewelry, with love and positivity.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are unique and meaningful jewelry company. We truly love and are passionate about what we do. We don’t just create jewelry but creating a positive and meaningful experience. We were able to get to we are by hard work, agility and the listening to what our customers want. It was definitely not easy, but well worth it. I believe the challenges that I have experienced as an entrepreneur, allowed me to push myself to a greater level, also to know that those challenges are preparation for things much greater. The greatest lesson that I have learned so far, is to continuously believe in myself, when others may not. Alexis is a creative and positive person, who is giving this world good energy. Vera Vara is the legacy of my grandmother, continuing create with love and spreading positivity.

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?
I love this question. First, I would take to Papago Park (Hole in the Rock, Lake, and Pyramid. Then to Tacos Tijuana (Gilbert), Ocho Rios Jerk Spot and Arrowhead Farmers Market. Some of my favorite food truck and vendors are found here. Several hiking trails including New River and Thunderbird Park in Glendale.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A great big shout out the Peoria Forward program at J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute Arizona State University. Eric Heimbecker and Kristen Slice have been extremely resourceful, providing a phenomenal one on one mentoring and support of my business. Also want to shout out my husband for all his love and support for pushing me to pursue my dream. Lastly, Shark Tank the show for providing such a great platform and education for businesses.

Website: www.veravara.com and www.etsy.com/shop/VeraVara

Instagram: @veravarashop

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-v-szewczyk-a9047a38

Image Credits
April Michelle Photos for two of the photos.

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