By Emily von Buttlar
Executive Features Editor
Senior Destheny Maringka has found a way to heal spiritually and mentally through her jewelry.
Maringka initially started making jewelry after seeing someone on TikTok who was making crystal rings. At first, she wanted to just try making a ring for herself, but after her friends started to ask her to make them pieces, she decided to start selling them.
“When I saw a lot of people liked my pieces, I wanted to share it with people just in case they wanted one of their own,” Maringka said. “After some time, I realized how easy it was to make jewelry.”
Most of the pieces she offers on her Depop, @spiritualbound, are customizable and handmade. Maringka offers a variety of pieces including earrings, belly charms, bracelets, rings and necklaces.
“I think the theme [of my brand] is more spiritual and fun,” Maringka said. “I try to have a lot of color in my products to make them stand out.”
She started her Depop last year during the pandemic, first as a hobby, which has now turned into a business. Although Maringka does not have a website of her own, she has expanded her business through Instagram and TikTok. Since she started, she has sold over 70 pieces of jewelry.
“I just want to expand my brand and be able to share with people what I can do,” Maringka said.
Maringka finds inspiration for her pieces on various social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. However, the majority of her designs are original, as she finds new designs from trying out different things with the materials she has.
“[My favorite piece is] probably my seven chakra heart necklace because it took a lot of work to make,” Maringka said. “[The necklace] includes red jasper, amethyst, sodalite, green aventurine, clear quartz, and carnelian.”
Maringka uses various healing crystals in her pieces to aid her customers in finding balance mentally and spiritually. She buys her crystals in bulk mainly from companies on Etsy, ensuring they have verification to ensure that they are real.
“During the pandemic, I kinda went crazy, but I got better mentally and spiritually with time, so I started to get crystals to help with my energy,” Maringka said.“I wanted to share that [experience] with other people.”
According to Maringka, her prices range from $5 to $15, making her pieces very affordable. She also donates 20% of the proceeds to East Los Angeles Women’s Center, which helps women who are in danger or financially struggling by housing, feeding and taking care of their health without any insurance needed.
“[East Los Angeles Women’s Centerter] is really important to me because I get a chance to help women in need,” Maringka said.
According to Maringka, she tries to work on the ever-changing trends while putting her own twist on the designs to make them her own.
“All crystals do different things when it comes to your spirituality and overall health,” Maringka said. “Some can help with tranquility, anxiety, and even depression. It’s a really good source of energy when meditating.”
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