A family vacation in Thailand was the catalyst for a new jewelry business for Alicia Matinchek and her mother Amy. The mother and daughter combination embarked on their trip with no plans to get into the jewelry making world, but the inspiration of their temporary surroundings was enough to fire their imaginations and provide them with a new medium to express their ideas.

Thailand was the preferred vacation destination because Amy is a massage therapist who practices Thai massage, and the visit would allow her to further expand her knowledge. Both women had long possessed an artistic side, and with a new source of ideas in their minds, just a few weeks later they were producing Chakra jewelry.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that translates as ‘wheel’. Chakra energies permeate from points around the body, and carry associations with mental, physical and emotional interactions.

As part of their trip the mother and daughter team visited several jewelry factories, and as a result developed an immediate interest in Chakra items. They were, in fact, so impressed with one factory’s offerings that they approached its owner about purchasing some particular items of jewelry. Although the initial intention was to buy items for their own personal use, they soon discovered they would need to buy a minimum quantity, and a decision was made to take their pursuit to the next level.

Purchasing bulk quantities of raw materials from Thailand allowed the duo to negotiate a bargain price, with Amy putting forward most of the cash.

The business has expanded rapidly and Amy and Alicia now have a total of 12 different pieces of Chakra jewelry. Each piece displays high quality handmade craftsmanship and is constructed from Thai silver and various precious gemstones. The duo currently sells the items themselves, but are looking to employ staff in the near future.

Another trip to Thailand is planned for the near future, whilst the new Chakra jewelry business has allowed Amy and Alicia to not only enter a new career, but has also helped them strengthen their relationship.

You can view the Chakra jewelry collection by visiting www.tunsamai.com.