Today we’d like to introduce you to Sinahi Ontiveros.
Hi Sinahi , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to Waves of Joy Jewelry started after spending 19 years working in the corporate world. I stayed with the company for so long, not necessarily because I was happy, but because I was raised to believe that you work hard, you stick with things, and you do what you’re supposed to do. For a long time, I was the definition of a 9-to-5 employee.
Eventually, I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling like a corporate robot. I wanted to enjoy life, be my own boss, and have the freedom to explore who I was outside of my career. With the incredible support of my husband, I made the scary decision to resign and take a leap of faith. I remember asking myself, “What’s next for me? What does God have in store for my future?”
I’ve always loved animals, so one of the first things I started doing was dog sitting for friends, family, and people in my neighborhood. I also began dabbling in making dog products. I enjoyed it, but I still felt like something was missing.
I’ve always been a creative person, but working a traditional 9-to-5 never really gave me the opportunity to explore that side of myself. I have always loved jewelry, especially pieces that feel different, unique, and personal. So, I decided to try making my own.
That small idea quickly turned into something much bigger. Creating jewelry gave me an outlet for my creativity, but more importantly, I discovered how much I loved making one-of-a-kind pieces that could bring a little joy and personality to someone’s everyday style.
The inspiration behind Waves of Joy Jewelry also comes from who I am and where I come from. I was born in Honduras and was surrounded by the beauty of the beach, so the ocean has always held a special place in my heart. I came to the U.S. when I was four years old, and Texas has always been my home. So, you can say I’m a Southern girl at heart. I wanted my jewelry to combine those two worlds — coastal inspiration, Western touches, and pieces that are easy to wear every day.
As a mom of two boys, I also wanted to create something for men, which led me to expand Waves of Joy Jewelry beyond women’s pieces and develop a men’s collection of necklaces and bracelets.
Today, I’m continuing to build Waves of Joy Jewelry one step at a time. I’m growing my website, creating new collections, attending markets, connecting with customers, and learning how to market my business through social media. I’m still figuring things out as I go, and honestly, running a business can be both exciting and emotionally draining. But I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
I always joke that I quit my 9-to-5 to work 24/7 — and sometimes it really does feel that way! But now, I’m working toward something that is mine, something creative, and something that brings me joy.
Waves of Joy Jewelry is still growing, and I know I have a lot more to learn and accomplish. But I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to see where this leap of faith takes me next. I truly believe that with God, anything is possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Being a one-person business owner is hard because you wear so many different hats. One minute you’re the jewelry maker, and the next you’re the CEO, financial advisor, marketer, customer service representative, website designer, and everything in between!
One of my biggest struggles has honestly been building my website and figuring out how to promote my business. In the world we live in today, so much of running a small business revolves around social media, and learning how to market myself and my jewelry online has definitely been a challenge. I’m not a content creator by nature, so putting myself and my business out there has been a learning experience.
There have definitely been moments when I’ve questioned myself and wondered if I’m doing enough or if people will love my jewelry as much as I do. But I keep reminding myself that building a business takes time, patience, and consistency.
Thankfully, I have an amazing support system of family and friends who believe in me and help promote my business. They are always there to cheer me on, share my posts, support my markets, or simply be there when I need a shoulder to lean on—or maybe to cry on a little, lol!
The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me something. I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring it all out. And even on the hard days, I remind myself why I started in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating handmade jewelry, from colorful beaded necklaces and bracelets to gold- and silver-tone pieces and earrings. Every piece is handmade by me, bead by bead and piece by piece. There is a lot of time, thought, and heart that goes into creating each design.
I think that is one of the things that sets Waves of Joy Jewelry apart. When you purchase one of my pieces, you’re not just buying something that was mass-produced in a store. You’re getting something that I personally designed and created by hand. I love the idea of creating unique pieces that someone may not find anywhere else.
I’m also very intentional about the materials I use. I look for quality, tarnish-resistant materials and offer hypoallergenic earrings, because I want my customers to feel good about what they’re wearing and know that I put thought into the quality of each piece.
What I’m most proud of is being able to take an idea in my head and turn it into something someone else can wear and enjoy. I love knowing that a piece I created can add a little personality, confidence, or joy to someone’s everyday style.
For me, jewelry is more than just an accessory. It’s a small piece of creativity that someone gets to make their own. That’s what I love most about what I do, and it’s what I hope people feel when they wear Waves of Joy Jewelry.
Any big plans?
My biggest plan for the future is to continue growing Waves of Joy Jewelry and build a brand that people recognize for unique, handmade jewelry. I want to continue creating pieces that feel personal and different from what you would typically find in a store, while expanding my collections and reaching more customers.
One of the changes I’m looking forward to is being more intentional with how I showcase my jewelry. I want to move beyond simply posting photos of the pieces themselves and show people how they can actually wear and style them. I plan to feature real people wearing my jewelry and share outfit ideas that complement different pieces, so customers can see how the jewelry can fit into their everyday style.
I also want to focus on keeping my brand authentic. While technology and AI can be helpful tools, I want my customers to see real people, real moments, and the real personality behind Waves of Joy Jewelry. I want them to connect not only with the jewelry, but with the person who makes it.
There is still so much I want to learn and accomplish, and I’m excited about what the future holds. My goal is to keep growing, keep creating, and hopefully become known for handmade jewelry that is unique, personal, and made with heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wavesofjoyjewelry.com
- Instagram: wavesofjoyjewelry00
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590866282090
