Evangelina Petrakis, a 21-year-old entrepreneur from New York, achieved remarkable success with her jewelry brand, EP Jewels, generating $3.1 million in revenue this year.
Last year, EP Jewels reached $1 million in sales, driven by Evangelina Petrakis’s massive online following: 553,000 followers on Instagram, 545,000 on TikTok, and 93,000 on YouTube (Evangelina Petrakis/LinkedIn).
Evangelina Petrakis, a 21-year-old entrepreneur from New York, has turned a teenage side hustle into a thriving business, with her jewelry brand, EP Jewels, bringing in an impressive $3.1 million in revenue this year, according to a media outlet.
Starting Small: A Pandemic Project That Evolved
At just 16, Petrakis launched her first venture, E&P the Label, a handmade tie-dye apparel brand, during the pandemic. Promoted on Instagram, the brand initially found success, but the labor-intensive process limited her creativity. In 2021, she pivoted to jewelry and launched EP Jewels, which has since taken off.
Skyrocketing Sales and a Massive Social Media Following
EP Jewels reached $1 million in sales last year, fueled by Petrakis’s strong online presence: 553,000 followers on Instagram, 545,000 on TikTok, and 93,000 on YouTube. Her success is attributed to her authentic approach to social media, where she shares products in an organic, non-promotional way. “I never push anyone to buy,” she said in a Business Insider interview. “They’re experiencing the products with me.” Pop-up events further enhance her personal connection with fans.
Challenges and Hard Work: The Reality Behind Success
Behind the scenes, Petrakis puts in 80-hour workweeks with a small team that includes her mother, who she affectionately calls her “momager.” She initially faced challenges, particularly in gaining trust from manufacturing partners, who were skeptical of her age and experience. But her strong business plan and loyal customer base soon earned her respect.
The Keys to Evangelina’s Success: Consistency, Networking, and Staying on Trend
Petrakis believes her consistent content and ability to capitalize on trending topics have been crucial in growing her following. She emphasizes the importance of networking, with one of her most successful jewelry collaborations being with influencer Jordyn Mannino.
Evangelina Petrakis’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, persistence, and strategic social media use for young entrepreneurs.
