Alexandra Samit is a full-time jewelry maker and budding entrepreneur crafting handmade designs echoing a rocker chic vibe. Drawn toward zippers and studs, the Emory University graduate runs Alexandra Beth Designs as her full-time gig. Her Maryland roots make it easy to travel back and forth between business and family, something she has been familiar with for quite a while. “I live in NYC and have been coming here to buy beads since I was 15. Maryland isn’t too far away though, so I can always go home for a night or two when I want to see my family,” says Samit, and when she does travel, we had an idea or two what might she might stash in her handbag.

What’s in your handbag?
1. Clinique black and brown eyeliner
2. Stila lipgloss
3. Round nose jewelry pliers
4. Jewelry crimping pliers
5. Blackberry
6. Spare bracelets of all colors
7. Hair clips

What jewelry are you wearing right now from the line?
I am wearing a gray and brown studded leather wrap bracelet. It’s my favorite color combination. The gray goes great with denim and the brown matches my purse. I’m also wearing the LOVE necklace in gold and a hand carved brass ring I made a few years ago.

A few pieces from the line. Clockwise: Gold and White Studded Bracelet, Pyramid Stud Hoop Earrings, LOVE Necklace and Gold Hoop Earrings with Red Carnelian.

When did you decide to turn your hobby into a business?
In high school I started beading a lot of necklaces and my friends began asking for them. I realized that there was a demand for my jewelry.

Where did you first start selling?
With the courage from my mom, we called the local children’s boutique near where I grew up in Potomac, Maryland. The manager took a look at my jewelry and accepted a few pieces on consignment. They sold right away, and she ordered more.

How did you make the big leap?
I began calling other stores in my town. Within the year, a regional store with 13 locations on the East Coast, ranging from North Carolina to Pennsylvania purchased 90 necklaces! I had to turn my dining room table into a workshop. Once I realized I could fill large orders, I began to contact more stores and sell at local shows. During college, I kept up with it and sold to boutiques in Atlanta, Georgia.

At what moment did you realize your success?
I approached National Jean Company last summer and they picked up my whole line. I’d have to say that’s when my business really began to takeoff. It’s all about making connections and fostering relationships with great people.

You track down materials all over the world from gemstones to Swarovski crystals. How do you find them?
I work with companies in New York who can import stones from India and silver from Thailand. I also make sure to buy beads every time I travel internationally, and I’ve shopped through all of Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Finding unique components is half the challenge.

What material is your favorite to work with?
Right now my favorite material is leather. It serves as a great base for any bracelet and comes in so many colors.

Where is your jewelry sold?
I rent space in a designer’s collective, which allows me to operate my own ‘store’ in Manhattan, and I also sell at The Young Designers Market in SOHO, New York every weekend. It’s located at 268 Mulberry Street and is a great place to visit if ever in the city!

Anywhere else besides New York?
Boutiques in Atlanta, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC carry my line, as well as my website AlexandraBeth.com and nationaljeancompany.com. I’m also in the process of opening up another space in a brand new location but that’s still under wraps.

Do you make every piece yourself?
I make almost everything myself. I do have a jeweler who helps me with soldering because I can’t have a torch in my apartment yet! I have definitely stayed up many of nights finishing orders.

Where does all the magic happen?
The magic happens in my studio. And by studio I mean more or less my studio apartment that has become my jewelry studio. I take all of my supplies and spread out everywhere.

How do you go from a design on paper to creating the actual piece?
I actually never design on paper. I always end up changing my initial ideas once I start working with the materials. I usually have a design in my mind for a few weeks before it comes to fruition. Once I collect all of the materials, I begin connecting jump rings, stringing beads and bending wire. The process can take a while.

Do you still shop for jewelry or do you only stick with yours?
I rarely shop for jewelry. With the exception of my watch, I only wear my own jewelry. It’s hard to explain to people I meet that I have my own jewelry business if I’m wearing someone else’s designs.

How does your jewelry match your personality?
Hmmmmm… I like to think of myself as easygoing and versatile, and my jewelry is very easy to wear and can be worn by people of all ages.

What moments have been most memorable since the launch?
Receiving my first write-up in a fashion blog and seeing my company listed on NationalJeanCompany.com alongside so many established brands was an incredible feeling. The most exciting one I would have to go with though was the time I saw a woman in the grocery store wearing my necklace. I had to go up to her and say hi.

Have you ever thought about expanding your line to other accessories?
I have considered headbands. I’ve gotten a few requests for them, and headbands are a popular accessory these days. In fact, I used to sew headbands for my friends back in middle school so I might be digging out that sewing machine from the back of my closet one day soon!

Samit has been featured in The Washington Post, Lucky Magazine Online, CosmoGirl’s Daily Kiss Blog and TheSkinnyPurse.com.

- Jessica Krznaric, Online Fashion Editor