JEWELLERY designer and manufacturer Kenzie Crabbe is not yet a social media sensation, an influencer, and/or trendsetter.
But with her handmade funky earrings, bracelets and key rings, she is well on her way.
Although there’s no immediate rush – she is just 10 years old.
“I turn 11 in July,” she points out.
However, the Swan Hill Primary School Grade 5 student isn’t just about the glitz and glamour.
She is also a very enthusiastic about maths and science (and art), and absolutely loves soccer and tennis at school as well.
But her jewellery passion goes back “years”, she tells anyone who will listen.
It started with beads. Beads of all colours, shapes, sizes, and materials. She just can’t resist them.
From there she started threading them on elastic and stronger nylon cord as her fledgling career started to take off.
And while maths might also be one of her loves, she might need to do some recalculating when she estimates she has something like “20 million beads in my collection”.
“I collect them everywhere I see them, and am always looking for something new,” Kenzie confided.
“And I have millions of colours as well.
“My mum said to me I spend so much time making the jewellery, why didn’t I think about selling it as well.
“So before Christmas last year, I started putting some on sale at SprayerBarn where mum works (at 127 Karinie Street) and people have been buying them.”
While most numbers associated with Kenzie seem to involve millions, her sales are slightly more modest, generating almost $40 to date.
Which reflects her pricing – you can have earrings for $2, bracelets range from $1 to $10 and key chains, because of inputs, go a little higher at $5 to $15.
“I don’t sell them to my friends at school, I still make them and give them some but we’re not allowed to sell there,” Kenzie explained.
“The prices I charge depend on whether I use plastic, silicon or other types, and the number of beads and the size of each piece.
“I love crafty things; I find it really relaxing to do and I am making things every week.
“And I’m serious when I say I have about 20 million beads, I really am.”
Kenzie is not getting too carried away about her initial success in sales.
She is already dedicating time to innovate with materials and designs.
“Some of that is hard to explain just now, people will just have to wait and see,” she said.
And people will need to keep an eye on Kenzie – she might just be the next big thing.
