The annual holiday gift guide Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things is a powerful list that can turn new products into great selling items. Being on the list is a big deal for any designer. Landing another chance in the said list is a big deal. Much more if the designer is a college student.

Emma Johnson (CGS'17), Em John Jewerly founder and designer, catapulted onto the list last year with her homemade faux-fur key chains. Her tassled Lucite keychaings, which is her new design this year, included her on the desirable list, according to BU Today.

Johnson considers this as a big achievement. She attributes her success to her supportive family who handles fulfillment and shipping packages, assembling, packing, and shipping. Emma takes charge of all the emails, customer service, website logistics from her college dorm.

Oprahs' 2016 holiday gift recommendations are both featured on Amazon and in her magazine. This recommendation list includes 100 items that range from clothes to jewelry, toys, accessories, kitchenware, and an organic grow kits. The list reports that Johnson's key chains that are priced $16 as "cheap and cherry."

The jewelry line was founded in 2013 by Johnson when she was still a high school junior. She posted a picture on Instagram that showed off a bracelet crafted from her grandfather's old shirt. This resulted to friends and family asking where they can purchase her bracelets. A few days later, a Manhattan store asked for 24 pieces to sell.

Emma Johnson obtained a summer intership with O, the Oprah Magazine, and was personally able to meet with Oprah after her faux-fur key chains landed on Oprah Winfrey's 2015 Favorite Things List.

John considers her marketing skills and a large following in her Instagram account as two of the reasons why her company has thrived. She founded the Em John College Challenge after founding Em John. This allows her to set a target of earning @250,000 over four years so she can finish college debt free.

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Topics Oprah winfrey