Meet the Maker: AZoski
Updated: Mar 9, 2021
Meet Allie! She is the owner of AZoski based in Auburn, AL. She has always had a desire to start her own business and decided to chase her dreams about a year ago. Her pieces are so unique and you will love reading about her story below!
What led you to start your business?
My whole life I have been creative. As a child I went through phases, from wanting to be a pop star to aspiring to become a fashion designer. At 12 years old, I received a sewing machine from my mom for Christmas. I watched several Project Runway seasons and even sketched a logo for a storefront one day. Over time, I stopped sewing but kept the dream to open my own handbag and accessory business. Four years ago, I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Graphic Design. I moved to Auburn and took my first job as a designer with Initial Outfitters. My desire to start my own side business lingered in the back of my mind and eventually I started making jewelry. I took the plunge and launched my AZoski Etsy shop about a year ago. The Maker and Merchant has given me a chance to allow my business to flourish and I'm excited to continue creating more hand-crafted jewelry and accessories!
How did you come up with your business name?
My name is Allie Zoski and a friend of mine called me AZosk in high school. I added the "i" back and created AZoski.
Tell us about your products/merchandise
Everything I sell is hand-crafted or designed by me. My products include earrings and accessories full of sparkle along with a line of t-shirts that recently launched. Currently, my favorite product is my Rose Gold Heart Necklace - it is simple, cute and can be worn with any outfit!
Where all do you currently sell?
I sell through my website and Etsy shop for customers to place online orders as well as in The Maker and Merchant.
What is your favorite part about owning a small business?
My favorite part is using my business as an outlet to express my own creative ideas and getting to be my own boss.
What is the best piece of advice you would give someone aspiring to start their own small business?
Don't give up! Rome was not built in a day! Creating a business takes time. Start by getting organized, record your ideas and start learning! Start teaching yourself the ropes, watch YouTube videos, ask mentors for advice and never stop learning. Don't be afraid to fail and don't just follow your dream, start it!
What are your goals for your business moving forward?
My goals are to create more designs for t-shirts and to venture into other products. I visualize myself making skirts with fabric I design to go along with my t-shirts. I also plan to create more one-of-a-kind handmade earrings for my customers.
Tell us anything you'd like us to know that we didn't ask!
God has blessed me in so many aspects of my life and I'm so thankful for this opportunity to sell my products in The Maker and Merchant store! I'm also extremely thankful for the love and support of my friends and family who encouraged me to never give up. My fiancé created my wooden display stands to showcase my jewelry and has supported me every step in my small business journey.
Be sure to follow along and stay up to date with all the exciting things from Azoski on their Instagram and Facebook pages.