Astryeet is Turning Stylish Jewelry Pieces Into Meaningful Moments of Connection in the ByWard Market

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.

The program provides hands-on retail experience and business training to help immigrant entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures in the heart of Ottawa.

As you explore the ByWard Market Vendor Village, you may come across a jewelry booth filled with thoughtfully crafted pieces — designs that feel approachable, expressive and made to be worn every day. Behind the display is a story shaped by migration, resilience, and a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit.

Born in China, Jasmine Jin immigrated to Canada with her mother at a young age. At the time, it was just the two of them building a new life, far from extended family and familiar surroundings. That experience instilled independence early on and a need to think creatively.

“Because it was just my mom and I, we had to find ways to be innovative,” she shares.

That mindset quickly turned into action. Before she was old enough to work formally, she began making and selling arts and crafts in her neighbourhood - going door-to-door, introducing herself and learning how to connect with people.

“That was the start of everything,” she says.

What began as a way to earn a bit of money soon revealed something deeper: a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine love for engaging with others.

At 17, Jasmine took a bigger step — launching her own jewelry business, Astryeet.

From there, she immersed herself in local markets and pop-ups, including farmers’ markets, university events, Canada Day celebrations and Ottawa’s ByWard Market. These spaces became more than places to sell, they became places to learn, test ideas and build relationships.

“I started to see traction, but more importantly, I realized how much I enjoyed connecting with people,” she explains. “If I can brighten someone’s day, and they brighten mine, it creates this positive exchange.”

That sense of mutual connection became central to her work — a reminder that entrepreneurship is not only about transactions, but about human moments.

At the same time, her business became a way to support her family and contribute meaningfully to their shared journey in Canada. Seeing the direct impact of her efforts motivated her to keep growing.

Through it all, she leaned into creativity and problem-solving — skills she now sees as essential to entrepreneurship.

Support from the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program played an important role in helping her move forward with greater clarity.

Through the program, she connected with other entrepreneurs and industry speakers who shared insights, experiences, and practical advice. The environment stood out for its openness and collaboration.

“Everyone was so willing to help,” she says. “It wasn’t competitive, it was more like, how can we support each other?”

Workshops on business growth and expansion were especially impactful. Learning about international markets, trade shows, brand partnerships, and subscription models introduced new possibilities for the future.

“I was thinking about expanding, but I didn’t know how,” she explains. “The program helped me start seeing a path forward.”

It also reinforced something she values deeply: the importance of community in building a sustainable business.

For her, one of the proudest milestones has been creating her own website, a decision rooted in both creativity and resourcefulness.

Moments like these reflect how she approaches entrepreneurship — with flexibility, curiosity and a willingness to find solutions, even when resources are limited.

Today, her business continues to evolve, grounded in connection, creativity and a strong sense of purpose.

And if there is one message she hopes to share with other aspiring entrepreneurs, it is this:

Start where you are.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. What matters is taking initiative, staying open to learning, and embracing the challenges along the way.

“Entrepreneurship is a lot of problem-solving and critical thinking,” she says. “You just have to keep going.”

Because sometimes, what begins as a small act — like knocking on a neighbour’s door — can grow into something far greater: a business, a community, and a future built on your own terms.

If you are visiting during the ByWard Market Vendor Village, stop by Astryeet to learn about each piece and experience them in person.

Explore Alma & Co or stay updated on their latest projects. Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @astryeet. Jasmine's story is an inspiring example of how creativity, problem-solving, and innovation can lead to extraordinary achievements.

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.