Meet Fancy Acholonu of Zodiacaa in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fancy Acholonu.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Fancy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Fancy Acholonu and I started out my career as a model when I was 16 doing high fashion and commercials between LA/NY. I also worked in Nigeria which is where I am originally from so it was always nice to go back home to work. Being a model I would always get dressed up in beautiful clothes, shoes, do makeup and hair but that last touches that were added on me was my favorite, jewelry! I would always get so excited when it came down to accessories because it completed the look. I knew one day I would want to design my own jewelry line but wasn’t sure when. Another passion of mine all my life since I knew it existed was astrology. Whether you believe in it or not Astrology is such a cool concept. The idea that our personalities are the way they are simply because of the stars aligning, is something worth wanting to know about. With a lot of down time in my industry I decided to start sketching and brainstorming to come up with a nice merge of my two favorite things jewelry and zodiac signs to come up with my line Zodiacaa.

As easy as it sounds just combining those two things to make my brand it definitely was very difficult and took a very long time. The first thing I needed to let go of in order to get started on zodiacaa was fear. I had been wanting to design this for over 5 years and I didn’t start because I was afraid on failing. All I had ever known in my life was how to entertain by modeling and doing commercials. I did study event planning in college as well but that wouldn’t help me with my true passion for design. The first thing I did once I let go of my initial fear to start was to research successful jewelry designers. I already knew what I wanted to design which was zodiac sign jewelry so that part was done. I needed to research how I was going to make an idea become reality. I needed to learn about every aspect of jewelry from the metals, to the cost, to marketing. I had so much to learn so I decided to so on my own time. I wasn’t in a hurry at all to launch my business because it was mine. I wanted to make sure I went at my own pace so I was one hundred percent confident when launching.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride, definitely a lot of bumps in the road but I never stopped at the bumps I kept going and will keep going until I reach my destination. I struggled with the business side of things a lot. I didn’t know what an LLC really meant, didn’t know about business law, sellers permits etc. So before I got to do the fun part which was designing I had to do the dirty work which was to study business. So many times I just wanted to take the easy way out by hiring someone to do the business side of Zodiacaa but I decided it was important that I knew everything and trust myself to be able to run the company by myself. I believe in building a team and getting help is great but I strongly believe you have to know exactly what is it is they would be doing for you so just in case it doesn’t work out and they leave you won’t be lost without them. I also struggled to balance my time with modeling and designing as well as other job which is coaching models. I had a full plate so I decided to minimize how much I did in some areas of my life and priorities working on my zodiacaa.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is called ZODIACAA. I’m the owner and founder, Fancy Acholonu.

ZODIACAA is a zodiac jewelry store designed by me. I use my love for astrology to make unique zodiac sign jewelry that are both reflective of your sign and you as an individual. Zodiacaa’s custom designs are intended for individuals who wish to express their own unique astrological sign in a stylish way. Jewelry to me, is more than just art, more than just fashion. Each piece of ZODIACAA jewelry tells a story and sparks a conversation. My zodiac sign jewelry is generational; it is a living reflection of the times and it captures the personality and essence of the person wearing it. All zodiacaa jewelry is made in the heart of Los Angeles. All of the jewelry is made to order. Zodiacaa is completely committed to design with intention. Unlike mass produced jewelry, we see value past just a piece you wear, but the artisan and skill required behind your unique handcrafted zodiac jewelry.

I know people can find zodiac accessories in a few places but what makes my store special is that it’s a store that Zodiacaa we only sells zodiac accessories it’s not a line of jewelry it’s an entire store of zodiac jewelry… Right now the only thing available are rings which by the way are for men and woman. I have more jewelry that will be coming out soon, earrings, necklaces, etc.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very athletic and artistic. I started sketching at a young age mostly portraits and I played basketball up until High school. People would say I’m very sarcastic my sense of humor is very dry and it seems to make people laugh a lot. I love making people laugh life should be filled with more laughter and joy. I love animals specifically monkeys. I have had a little obsessions with cute monkeys since I was a kid. I post monkey photos on my Instagram often and it makes people laugh that I’m so in love with those little creatures.

Pricing:

• My jewelry is priced between $29.99 to $49.99 so its very affordable which is something I worked hard to make sure it was priced fairly

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zodiacaa.com
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Photographer for the elements of astrology campaign: Akinbola Oluwaseyi
Models Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo & Fancy Acholonu

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.