Business profile: Customer turns contractor

Owner of Origami Owl: Maricopa resident Mirisue Galindo; one of 5,000 designers nationwide for the direct-sales business.

Product: Glass lockets that can be customized with a variety of charms.

How did you hear about Origami Owl? I was a consumer before I became an independent designer. I saw the “Living Locket” at the Chandler Fashion Mall display and thought it was absolutely perfect.

Perfect in what way? I’m a runner and the Maricopa coach for Chances for Children, a race that involves family and community participation to raise money to benefit children by encouraging education, nutrition and physical education. Prior to one of the races, my grandparents had died; we were very close and when I saw the lockets, I thought, ‘These are perfect as remembrances for my family.’ I purchased a locket for each family member and customized them. For example, the locket I created for my mother had a picture of my grandmother, a cross, and an ovarian cancer survivor ribbon. Each charm held a very special meaning for her.

What made you decide to join the business as an independent designer? I’ve always been creative, but with this business, it was the product. Our motto is “Every Locket Tells a Story … What’s Yours?” The Living Lockets are custom-designed and the way to personalize something that is meaningful to you.

What were you doing before this? I was involved in marketing for a number of clients, including Chances for Children. For other clients, I have a privacy clause so I can’t disclose names. But for them I help with social media marketing and relationship marketing to grow their businesses. Those are the businesses I work for during the day.

Why this business, and why now? Because it is a meaningful business. It gives me and my customers the opportunity to “to wear and share our stories.” I decided to start the business now because I was inspired to help others design their exclusive lockets and create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects who they are and share their stories, not in words, but in jewelry.