When Courtney Hennessey started stringing crystal beads a few months ago, she had no idea her hobby would evolve into highly lucrative business. Since December when she sold a couple of homemade bracelets to her friends, she said “things have exploded.” Her jewelry will soon be carried in several clothing stores in St. Louis and Chicago, and she has already sold over $13,000 worth of sparkling earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Not too shabby for an after-school job.

Things got started for Hennessey, a junior studying advertising, when she noticed many girls wearing popular little beaded bracelets and decided to buy some crystals and make some stretchy bracelets herself.

“I’ve always been creative and interested in art,” Hennessey said, “so this really started as a fun thing to during my free time over winter break.”

She would wear her own creations, and people would ask her where she bought it. When she explained that she made it herself, they would immediately ask if she could make something for them. She started buying crystals and beads from wholesalers and selling the jewelry to friends, and then friends of friends, and then friends of friends of .

“Each person wearing my jewelry is a walking advertisement, and things really took off by word of mouth,” she said.

Hennessey makes her jewelry with high quality Swarovski crystals, sterling silver beads, freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones like onyx and turquoise.

Her pieces come in over 200 styles and have sold for $15 to $175 and are worn by people from age 2 to 82.

“I think that’s why I’ve had so much success – my stuff is unique, and there is something for everyone.” Her business card sums it up: “Funky for day, Fancy for night, Fitting for everyone.”

Hennessey’s jewelry line, “codi,” gets its name from the first two letters of her first and middle names, Courtney Diane.

Though she is enjoying it, she admits that being a full-time student and running a one-woman business has been stressful.

“This has snowballed into a full-fledged business that I didn’t plan on. Right now I am doing everything myself and I know that I need to keep my priorities straight. So far, I’m managing.”

Hennessey says she plans to keep selling her jewelry as long as she is having success at it.

“I’m going to take advantage of the trends while this stuff is so hot. Though it’s all keeping me very busy, I thoroughly enjoy making it. Being able to sell it is an extra bonus.”