Since freshman year, senior Mina Aziz has been actively executing the phrase “you are what you eat.” Aziz is the owner and sole employee of Mini Delights, an online business selling unique, homemade, food-shaped jewelry. With over 900 likes on Facebook and an online shop on etsy.com, Aziz has found success by combining her quirky personality, creativity and passion for delicious treats.

Using materials such as polymer clay and chalk pastels, Aziz has a knack for making adorable charms. She discovered her passion for making food-shaped jewelry on accident. After unsuccessfully attempting to make a clay cat, she decided to create a little cupcake instead. Aziz instantly became fascinated by the concept.

“I thought it was really fun, so I started making more food that I usually like to eat,” said Aziz. “Food is fun so why not wear it?”

After selling her jewelry at local exhibitions for handmade items, Aziz decided to open her own online jewelry store on Etsy during sophomore year. She hoped that by selling her jewelry online, she would be able to diversify and spread her clientele. Now shipping Mini Delights to 25 different states, Aziz can testify to the pressures of being a small business owner.

“The pressure of keeping up with your shop and making sure people know about you is definitely prominent,” said Aziz.

Even with these challenges, Aziz is not only dedicated to exceeding

the expectations of her clients, but is also devoted to using her talents for philanthropic purposes. This year, Aziz started a line of Mini Delights called “Jewelry For Purpose.” Due to her experiences in third world countries, Aziz will donate all of the proceeds from this line to Watsi, an organization that provides funds to health care centers around the world.

“I have been to third world countries and I know that the health care they have there is not sufficient to support anyone

,” said Aziz. “I’ve wanted to make this line for a long time so I can contribute to society.”

Aziz’s strong work ethic and original approach led to her well-deserved success with Mini Delights. With her innovative jewelryand line of charitable charms, Aziz is making the world a better place, one “mini delight” at a time. To see and purchase some of Aziz’s designs, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMiniDelights and like the Mini Delights page on Facebook.