Nearing the end of her high school career, faced with big decisions like where to go and what to do next, Ally Schoenhofer knew she wanted to keep her hands busy. It was the fall before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when Schoenhofer got the idea from her family to start selling handmade jewelry online to her friends for fun. She never thought the bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and other unique designs that she and her mother created at their dining room table would be shipped around the country and world. Five years later, the Flower-Mound-based business, Alexandria and Co., continues to sell hundreds of beautifully hand-crafted jewelry pieces while keeping a deep gratitude for family and the community at the forefront.
By utilizing social media during the lockdown, orders from Alexandria and Co. soared. Though she enjoyed the success, Schoenhofer realized her desire to keep the Flower-Mound-based business local and focus on word-of-mouth advertising. Once stores opened back up after the pandemic, Schoenhofer began networking with people around the community to expand her reach. She partnered with local gyms, florists, salons, and other small businesses that allowed her to set up a pop-up shop at their location to sell items in person. “I’ve just been so grateful,” Schoenhofer said, “As sweet as it was making a ton of sales over the U.S, I love uplifting small businesses in the community as well.”
Today, Schoenhofer has become a popular regular at markets and events in the area – such as the Sparrow & Co. holiday market and Edison Coffee Co. – selling exclusive and trendy jewelry for all ages on her colorful pop-up table. Though these items are still available through her website online, her personable and sweet demeanor thrives on meeting customers in person and seeing the joy on their faces after purchasing one of her pieces. Though the success of Alexandria and Co. is important to her, “the heart of the business is to put a smile on someone’s face and spread tangible joy,” she says with a proud smile.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:19