Jewelry designer Hope Rivers had the biggest smile as she welcomed me inside Moazen Jewelry & Accessories, a 160-square-foot boutique she co-owns with her twin sister, Faith.

Located inside Area 15, a small business incubator minutes from Uptown, Moazen is filled with colorful, handcrafted jewelry strategically placed on walls, tables and shelves.

As I look around the shop, Hope offers me a cup of Iced Green Tea, which helped take the edge off the heat outside the door.

Hope, a petite and energetic woman, appears to be genuinely hospitable. Talking with her reminded me of visiting with an old friend. I admired her enthusiasm as she began to share how she and Faith, who was not present, started their business four years ago.

The twins, who are originally from Charleston, began making jewelry when they were 16 years old.

They began selling their jewelry while they were students at Central Piedmont Community College and people began complimenting them on the jewelry they wore.

After creating a small catalog to market their offerings, the twins began filling custom orders and later launched a website, www.moazenjewelry.com. Eventually, that led them to opening their boutique in 2008.

As we continue to talk, Hope glanced out the window toward some unfinished condominiums across the street. Many of the windows were broken, the result, she said, of kids who have nothing better to do.

I could tell by her voice that the eyesore bothers her. Not just because it's ugly, but because she wants so much more for the community, especially the area that surrounds their business. She's optimistic that builders will complete the project soon.

Hope, 24, says business is good so far. Their clientele is eclectic and based heavily on referrals. Their business model, she said, is centered on spending equal amounts of time building business and giving back.

The sisters offer free, "impromptu" jewelry- making classes for girls ages 12 to 16 in the north part of Charlotte. They provide all the supplies; all the girls have to do is show up and begin learning.

Initially, the pair tried to get their young students to come on designated days and at designated times. That didn’t work. So they opened their environment to accommodate the girls at any time, even if it means balancing the needs of customers and the needs of their students.

Their outreach philosophy is simple:

"If you're not here, and we send you back out (into the community) then what are you doing?" Hope said. "A 13 year-old girl with nothing to do? Is she going to end up at some little boy's house? We are doing our part at all times to ensure they have a creative place, a safe space, and a welcoming place to come to."

She adds, "We are not fans of businesses that go into people's community and don't do anything for the people. We wanted to make sure we were accessible, and that we were here for this community."

For now, they focus on teens most in need. Eventually, she said, they want to hold classes that will be more structured and will include youth all over the community.

I commend these two young businesswomen, whose efforts go beyond selling pretty accessories. They are hoping to change the community one piece of jewelry at a time. They sponsor and hold community events on a regular basis. Check out http://areafifteen.com for listing.

"Social responsibility to us is not just working for the greater good of the global community but for your local community as well, and what better place to start than right outside your door," Hope said.

Moazen Jewelry
Address: 512 E. 15th St.
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 704-222-1011 or 704 968-7879.
Prices: $7 to $75.