Dubbed The Mayi Collection, after its founder's childhood nickname, the line launches different sets of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings every season. Every piece is inspired by Miami's natural scenery.

``For example, my summer things are very beachy but fino, luxurious-looking,'' Ortega said. ``They include things like coral and turquoise, things that are very popular in Miami.''

The current winter line, available at www.mayicollection.com, combines shell pearls, which are made from oyster shells, with hammered gold vermeil accents, smoky quartz beads and multicolored Swarovski crystals.

Bits of coral, wooden beads and semiprecious stones such as amethyst, citrine and lapis lazuli, which evoke Miami's splashy spirit, also figure prominently.

Making jewelry wasn't on Ortega's radar when she began her studies at George Washington. She was looking for a public-policy job and interned at the office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the Bush White House and in the office of Florida Sen. Mel Martinez, who retired last year.

``I was a bit disillusioned with that sphere,'' she added. ``A lot of people go to D.C. very idealistic, wanting to change the world, but then reality sets in.''

It was her boyfriend, during a particularly icy weekend in the nation's capital, who suggested she try making jewelry.

Ortega trained with a goldsmith in Maryland and, once the weather and homesickness drove her back to Miami, she studied with jeweler Marc Thurn at the Miami Jewelry School in Coral Gables.

``We teach them how to melt metals, to make sheets and wires, to polish stones and make mounts for them,'' Thurn said. ``Ana was a very good student, very into detailed work, and she finished it admirably.''

Ortega set up a workshop above the garage in her parents' South Miami home and uses the garden's window-leaf plants as backdrop for promotional photos. Her mother, an accountant also named Ana Ortega, keeps the books and plies her daughter with business advice. ``It's great that she can do what she likes and it makes me happy to be able to help support her dreams,'' the elder Ortega said.

``I wish I could've done the same thing,'' she added. ``I have my artistic side but I've always been very practical. I studied accounting because it was safe.''

``Ana Jr.'' began selling her creations to friends and relatives, who spread the word and helped create a steady customer base. Her revenues over the past year are just under $50,000, she said.

Several businesses, including Miss Pepper Accessory Boutique, Creations Hair Salon and Pecan's Day Spa in South Miami, as well as Mayda Cisneros in Coral Gables, carry Mayi Collection pieces.

Ortega is working on an accessory design degree at Miami International University of Art and Design. ``My goal is to build up a nice healthy wholesale business,'' she said. ``I don't have these lofty ambitions of being huge, but if I can support a business and a few employees I'll be happy.''

She also wants to earn enough to support her family's charity of choice, Centro Mater, which provides free day-care services to children of recently arrived immigrants. ``My whole family has been involved with it,'' Ortega said. ``My mom was the president at one point. It's very close to my heart.''