One of the best parts about joining Alpha Phi is the variety of new friends you get to make! Everyone has a different story, background, or hobby that they get to share with the group, and we always try and find ways to celebrate what makes each person special within our chapter.
Several of the women in Alpha Phi own small businesses, which is exciting in and of itself. This means first looks at cool and entirely unique products and services from some of our best friends. All of these businesses vary vastly on scale and are fun ways to showcase just how talented our sorority members are.
One of the most notable businesses run by one of our very own is Stacked by Suzie. This handmade jewelry company is run by Talia Schleifer and her wonderful family. This company has grown extremely quickly in popularity, and has been a staple of game day jewelry for many members of Alpha Phi and the greater UVA community. Not only is this company super popular at the University of Virginia, but it has also amassed quite the following on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok thanks to the wonderful marketing efforts by Talia.
Another small jewelry business is owned by Kaitlyn Cleary. She released her first collection of Shyne by KC jewelry in August of 2020. Her collection was made of repurposed luxury designs, and all of the proceeds were donated to NUL which is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice.
One final jewelry business owned by an Alpha Phi member is Liv’s Jewelry owned by Olivia Richine. Through her Instagram, she makes and sells her own handmade, beaded jewelry. She sells anything from rings to necklaces as well as anklets and so much more!
Moving on from jewelry businesses, our member Maggie Pietsch owns a card making business called Mail by Maggie. Through her Instagram and online shop, she markets and sells her own digitally-handmade cards. She started her business over quarantine in order to help her pass time and grow her hobby for digital drawing and lettering.
Taking our hobbies and growing them into greater passions is something found within many members of Alpha Phi. Jess Pentel uses photography as her creative outlet. As such, J. Pentel Photography was born. She now uses her hobby to not only take pictures in her spare time, but to also provide a business to those who need headshots and portraits.
Another great perk to joining Alpha Phi is the access to members old closets. Many of our members run Instagrams in which they sell their old or unwanted clothes at discounted prices. This is a great opportunity to find wardrobe upgrades from sellers you know and love well. One specific member is Sarah Morrison who sells her clothes via Instagram and even offers delivery and try ons for those in the UVA area.
Last but not least, we have Boxback. Olivia Holland and Caroline Ritter created what they like to refer to as a reverse-go-puff service for their ENTP capstone project. With this innovative service they pick up packages from your doorstep and return it for you with a small service fee determined by the number of packages being returned.
To find out more about all of these businesses, follow their links!