Attention jewelry lovers, runway observers and high fashion connoisseurs: Briana Ali is taking your world by storm, one crystal necklace at a time. Before launching her store in July 2013, Ali found she wanted an alternative to the typical summer job. She delved into research – specifically how to make her own jewelry.
“I wanted to do something with fashion” said Ali. “I found the jobs I was interviewing for didn’t interest me.” It took her a while to find her niche, which happens to be crystals. “I had a lot of dead inventory before [I experimented with crystals] but now they’re my best sellers!”
It’s been a little over two years since her summer hobby project became a full-fledged source of income. Ali is no stranger to the hard work that comes with an entrepreneurial endeavor. Back home in Fort Myers, FL, her dad is a big influence. “He runs his own business, so I got inspiration from him. I constantly listen to him talk about business.”
“East of Eden” photoshoot
Courtesy: Bohindie Stream
Since Bohindiestream’s birth, Ali’s degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development with a minor in Entrepreneurship, which she will receive this spring, has only helped her make the business bigger and better. Currently, she’s looking into hiring interns and hosting other designers on her website whose products fit under Bohindiestream’s vibe.
Just being on FSU’s campus has opened a lot of doors as well. In addition to participating in Market Wednesday, which is great campus promotion, she also has a website which is flooded with pictures from photoshoots she orchestrates and styles.
“I like collaborating with other students. The stylists, models, and photographers all get to use the photos for their portfolios too so we both benefit.” And these photoshoots can give any professional one a run for their money. “I couldn’t believe some of the pictures we got on location,” she gushed about her latest shoot “East of Eden,” which used the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens as the backdrop. “They’re amazing,” said Ali. “It looks like we were in a jungle or something!”
“Fall into Wander Land” photoshoot
Courtesy: Bohindie Stream
Ali hopes to keep up with her store even after she graduates in the spring, potentially even expanding to a walk-in store. Though Ali claims, “I’m young, and I might want to do something else.” Who knows? She definitely has the tools to achieve whatever she puts her mind to.