LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Learn, create, sell. This is the process that Los Alamitos High School sophomore Chloe Trujillo follows. She has taught herself how to make jewelry out of beads and sells her items on Etsy. Chloe dreams of one day building her business and continuing to grow as an artist.

“I really enjoy crafting and have wanted an Etsy shop since the fourth grade,” Trujillo said. 

Chloe loves the arts and explains that her journey started in fourth grade, when she learned to crochet and embroider. She continued this passion for crafting until high school and elevated it as she went on. She started making beanies, blankets and even embroidered denim jackets. Just a year ago, she learned how to make beaded jewelry and started selling her pieces to friends and family.

Chloe quickly realized how much she enjoyed both making and selling this jewelry, so she decided to open her shop to everyone. Fruitful Blooms is currently live on Etsy and focuses on gold earrings. Her pieces highlight her specialty in making different fruits out of the beads, such as lemons, cherries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.  

Running a business comes with its challenges, especially while being a sophomore in high school. Since Chloe is under 18, she is unable to run her own finances and must turn to her parents for help. Along with Etsy’s rules for new sellers, she cannot receive her pay until three days after shipping. Chloe explains how the biggest thing she has learned along the way is being more organized and figuring out how many beads to use for each project.

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Chloe explains that YouTube videos have helped her learn how to start her fruit projects. From videos, she has mastered how to start the sphere of the beads, yet she had to teach herself how to add the stems. Playing around with the different colors and shades is one of Chloe’s favorite parts of creating this art. Her intricate designs are a perfect trendy piece to elevate your outfits for spring and summer.

Chloe’s has high hopes in continuing her business journey until her senior year and one day having her own website. Chloe looks up to a TV show character, Brooke from One Tree Hill, who is the CEO of her own company, and one day she aspires to do the same. However, other focuses, such as school, are also highly valued in Chloe’s life, who plans to go to a university to study computer science and engineering.

“Ideally, I’d love to be like Brooke from One Tree Hill and be the CEO of my own company,” Trujillo said. 

Trying to build up a small business can be challenging, but it is nothing Chloe Trujillo can’t put her mind to. This is only the beginning of Chloe’s journey, and she hopes her business will soon pick up. Support Fruitful Blooms today and buy a handmade piece of beaded jewelry to pair with your summer looks!

Support Chloe here: chloesfruitfulblooms.etsy.com