We were lucky to catch up with Sinthya Melean recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sinthya , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I’m a Venezuelan entrepreneur who left my country and started from zero in a new place, with a new language and culture. During COVID, while becoming a first-time mom and unable to work outside the home, I took my first big risk: creating a small jewelry business from my living room. Little by little, I began making earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, selling through Instagram, local markets, and shipping nationwide. That is how my journey began.
Sinthya , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Sinthya, and I’m the founder of AlohaJew, a jewelry brand built with intention, love, and a deep desire to create a better future for my family. Becoming an entrepreneur taught me how powerful it is to build something with your own hands, and it gave me the opportunity to connect with women through pieces that make them feel beautiful, confident, and seen.
My business focuses on stainless steel and 18k gold–plated jewelry that is durable, hypoallergenic, long-lasting, and designed for everyday wear. I work with meaningful pieces—initials, symbolic charms, and timeless designs—because I believe jewelry should tell a story and hold a personal connection.
What sets my brand apart is the heart behind it. I run every part of my business myself: selecting designs, creating products, packaging orders, communicating with clients, and participating in markets. My customers know they are not buying from a big company—they are supporting a small Latina-owned brand that values quality, honesty, and community.
I am most proud of how my brand has grown through genuine connections. From participating in well-known markets in Dallas to shipping orders across the country, every step has been a reminder that consistency, creativity, and authenticity truly matter.
What I want people to know about AlohaJew is that it’s more than jewelry—it’s a representation of strength, new beginnings, and the beauty of creating your own opportunities. My mission is to offer high-quality pieces that make women feel empowered, stylish, and connected to something meaningful.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my social media audience by consistently sharing the reality behind my brand—markets, packaging, new collections, and the daily work. I also invested in well-known Instagram influencers, which helped my first account grow. Unfortunately, that page was hacked and I lost over 11k valuable followers and the investment behind it. Now, with my new Instagram, I’ve been rebuilding slowly and consistently, focused on creating a stronger, more authentic community. My advice for beginners: be consistent, use video, show your face, highlight what makes your product different, and don’t wait for perfection to start. Authenticity always wins.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes. I wish I had learned earlier about the power of community and collaboration. Understanding how to connect with other small business owners, join networking groups, and access resources for marketing, branding, and business organization would have saved me time and stress. I also wish I had known more about protecting my social media accounts and the importance of building an email list early on. These tools make the creative journey smoother and help your brand grow with more stability and confidence.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Ninothresherphoto