Graig MantleMany college students have a hard time balancing their lives with school, work and maintaining a social life. It’s not until they’ve moved on from term papers and finals that they have to worry about the stress of a career.
However, one Cal Poly student is taking on school and a career simultaneously. Kristina Spitale is the owner of Crazy Cowgirl Jewelry & More in San Luis Obispo and an agriculture management senior.
Crazy Cowgirl Jewelry & More, which opened in December 2006, carries a variety of western, retro and classic jewelry, purses and home decor.
“We opened the week before Christmas, which was great because I really wanted to be open before the holidays, but it happened to be during finals week which made it really hard,” Spitale said.
Opening her business during finals week was one of many scheduling conflicts Spitale has had between work and school. She keeps her prices low by not hiring any other employees, which means she is at work running her store every day.
“Now that I’m doing this, I have to schedule all of my classes really early and really late,” she said. “It’s not easy, but it has worked out.”
Spitale started her business shortly after beginning college by using the money she earned from selling heifers, sheep and steer at the Mid-State Fair while she attended Templeton High School where she was president of the school’s National FFA Organization, an organization dedicated to agricultural science education.
Spitale found success selling jewelry at high school and college rodeos throughout California out of tents and make-shift displays.
After a few years, she upgraded her display to a trailer and intended on making enough money to open a permanent location shortly after graduation
“I always knew I wanted to own a business right after I graduated, it’s been my plan since I was young,” she said. “I didn’t ever think I would have a business while I was still in school, but it just worked out this way.”
Despite the long hours and busy schedule, Spitale said owning her business has perks that keep her motivated and push her through the mornings when all she wants to do is sleep.
“I am getting such good experience. When professors talk about real-world scenarios, I can relate because a lot of times it’s things I’ve actually done,” she said. “I’m not going to be shocked by reality after I graduate.”
Spitale’s ultimate plan, if her business continues to do well, is to hire full-time employees so she can begin a career as a sales representative.
“If this business doesn’t work out, I will still have my jewelry. It’s something I will always be able to do no matter where I’m at in my life,” Spitale said.
Crazy Cowgirl Jewelry & More is located at 799 Foothill Blvd., Suite D in the Ferrini Square. You can find out more information at the Web site, www.crazy-cowgirl.com.