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When Sydney Zmrzel is not on the basketball court as a dancer for the Phoenix Suns or on the football field as a cheerleader for the LA Rams, she’s working on building an empire.

Zmrzel is the owner of Jaunty, a clothing line she launched in 2019 at 21 years old. The brand has grown so much Jaunty is now an online boutique.

“I think it’s OK to be a little bit edgy. It’s okay to turn heads. I want all my pieces just be a mood,” Zmrzel said.

Through Jaunty, Zmrzel wants to share a positive message of self-confidence with $40 hoodies that say “YSL: You’re So Lame,” a nod to the iconic YSL logo, and $45 black mini skirts made of vegan crocodile fabric.

Why she designed Jaunty ‘for the go-getters’

“The number one thing I always want people to feel is sexy and confident. It’s for the go-getters. I like the idea of creating something that people can wear for any occasion that fits them, is sexy and well-fitted but also comfortable,” she said.

“I’ve always had a muscular build. I wanted something that fit a full-grown woman that still shops in that junior style and pieces that I always wanted and I can never find or couldn’t fit my body.”

The online shop features several collections, including a selection of little black dresses, faux leather mini dresses, denim jackets, bikinis and jewelry.

Zmrzel recently released two pieces of her “So Money” collection: a forest green oversized satin top ($40) and matching laced biker shorts ($40). Her TV collection features $35 hoodies with “The Office” and “Friends” memes printed on the front.

She also created custom denim jackets for her fellow Phoenix Sun Dancers. Jaunty now sells similar jackets for $115.

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‘I’m a huge believer in manifesting’

Zmrzel has faced some challenges while started her brand. She said she spent the first year of her business interviewing manufacturers to hand delivering packages to listen and learn the industry.

Zmrzel said her parents, whom she describes as entrepreneurs, inspired her to start Jaunty. She wants to become an inspiration, too.

“I’m a huge believer in manifesting and writing down your goals,” she said.

“One of the main things that I wish I would have done earlier is really sat down and thought what exactly do I want because you do have to have thick skin, not everyone’s going to like what you provide. But I think if you’re confident enough in what you’re providing, then no one can touch you.”

Details: shopjaunty.com or instagram.com/shopjaunty.

Elizabeth Montgomery is Arts and Culture Reporter for The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com. Reach her at [email protected] or 602-444-8764. Follow her on Twitter @emontnews.

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