When searching for the right college, many seek out a range of options, some even going so far as to visit campuses multiple times. Not Ashton Parsons, a junior from Lancaster who was immediately drawn to Ashland University just from visiting her older brother Andrew, who graduated from AU in 2009.

“I absolutely love Ashland!” Parsons said. “Before I came here, I used to visit [Andrew] all the time, and I just fell in love with the campus. This was the only school I even applied to!”

Since her first day as an AU student, Parsons has made the most of her college experience. Aside from being a tour guide and a member of Alpha Delta Pi, she is also the St. Jude’s Up ‘Til Dawn teams chair, in charge of organizing participation.

Perhaps one of the most impressive facets to Parsons’s résumé is the small jewelry business she began 10 years ago. What began as a hobby grew into something more as Parsons’s skills improved and so did her sales.

The spark that ignited Parsons’s interest in the art of jewelry-making is indicative of her competitive nature.

“I started making jewelry after my mom ordered a handmade bracelet for me for Christmas, and when she received it she was really disappointed,” Parsons said.

Upon receiving the bracelet, both mother and daughter were unimpressed with the product, especially considering the $15 price tag.

“I made it my mission to compete with the lady [who] made the bracelet,” Parsons said. With her goal to satisfy customers with unique style and reasonable prices, Parsons began winning people over in time.

Soon Parsons’s business flourished, raking in a considerable amount of income on any given day.

“I would easily make $100 to $200 a day,” Parsons said.

Although she hasn’t concerned herself with advertising, Parsons still experiences success through word-of-mouth promotions.

“Basically, the jewelry sells itself,” Parsons said. “For several years, I would just make bags of jewelry and my mom would take it into her office every other week or so.”

Based on the positive response received, Parsons hopes to create an official business, entitling it “Ashton’s Originals.”

“It used to be a hobby and a really great stress reliever, but now I want it to be something bigger,” Parsons said.

After crafting the jewelry for a fellow sorority member’s wedding, Parsons was inspired to push her business even further into the bridal industry as well as other areas.

“What started out as a hobby has become my passion,” Parsons said. “Truth be told, sometimes I do not even recognize my own jewelry. I get in a weird mindset and just like every artist, something great comes out of it.”

The college entrepreneur makes a wide range of jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. She specializes in beaded products but she can create whatever the customer requests.

“You name it, I can make it or I will at least try,” Parsons said.

As a business management major and marketing minor, Parsons feels she has truly picked the right field for her career. She attended Eastland Career Center for two years in high school, studying administrative support. From that experience she discovered her niche is in business and sales. Her business instincts and sharp eye for style are the ingredients for a successful future trade.

“I am a very driven person,” Parsons said. It was this determination that propelled her to pursue her interests in the jewelry-making business.

Parsons also has a kind heart and chose to share her talents with various organizations.

“Helping people makes me feel like I actually am making a difference,” Parsons said. “I have donated jewelry to various causes, including St. Jude, Breast Cancer Awareness and the Ronald McDonald House.”

As a junior, Parsons already has concrete plans for the future. Once she graduates, she hopes to make her dream of starting “Ashton’s Originals” a reality.

“Running my own business just seems really exciting to me!” Parsons said.

But for the moment, Parsons is simply enjoying the ride while in college, picking up valuable life lessons along the way.

“Your life is what you make it,” Parsons said. “You cannot change the world around you, but you can determine how you react to the world. You decide who you are and what you are all about. Do not let anyone change you or bring you down.”

Parsons will continue to hold her own advice close to her heart as she works on paving the way along the glittering yellow brick road of her life.