Chain Reaction
Hoboken sisters create a business and give back to the community
By Tara Ryazansky Photos courtesy of the Calliope Sisters
I
n the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Andie DeMar noticed a growing trend in Hoboken. “This spring it felt like every kid ended up coming up with some kind of business,” she says. Her daughters, Joia, 12, and Carys, 9, wanted to get in on the action. DeMar vetoed slime and tie-dye, deeming them overly popular. “Let’s come up with something that’s really useful,” she said. They brainstormed about it, and one of them mentioned beaded bracelets. “Then we thought, everyone is going to be wearing masks.” They settled on the idea of making a new type of accessory to go along with the new normal: mask chains. After watching many YouTube video tutorials and experimenting with various materials, the trio created their product. They named their company Calliope Sisters, which means “beautiful voice.”
Jurisprudence to Jewelry
Carys & Joia
20 • 07030 ~ WINTER 2021
DeMar says she doesn’t consider herself the creative type. “I never imagined we would have a jewelry business,” she says. “I mean, I’m a lawyer.” But her creative daughters pulled her over to the artsy side. “They are definitely creative,” DeMar says. “Joia probably wants to be an artist. She’s actually working on getting a portfolio together. Carys is more of a performer. They’re both dancers.” Running Calliope Sisters is about more than just creative fulfillment. “It’s really given them confidence to try something new,” DeMar says. “It’s given them a sense of ownership and responsibility. It’s a great lesson.” She also wanted their venture to help the community.
