The Science of Soldering: How Sivan Katzav Built Liana Faith Boutique

What began as a small Instagram page run by a 13-year-old girl has evolved into a professional jewelry enterprise. For San Francisco sophomore Sivan Katzav, the transition from hobbyist to business owner is a masterclass in the “Science of Craft” and the discipline required to scale a student-led venture.

Operating under the rebranded name Liana Faith Boutique, Katzav has moved far beyond her early days. “I started my business in 2020 when I was 13,” Katzav explains. “Back when COVID started, I attended jewelry-making classes at a local bead shop and learned the technical skill of making soldered rings.”

The Anatomy of a Rebrand

As the years passed, Katzav expanded her inventory beyond rings, eventually building a dedicated website and a successful Etsy store. The name “Liana Faith” honors the middle names of both Sivan and her mother, reflecting a shared passion for jewelry that anchors the brand’s identity.

Despite the complexities of entrepreneurship, Katzav finds that her business provides a necessary equilibrium to her university life. For her, the craft is as much about mental health as it is about commerce.

“Making jewelry is really therapeutic for me,” she says. “It’s a good way to wind down after classes, and it motivates me to stay organized with my time.”

The “Science of Commerce”: Navigating Taxes

As the boutique grew, Katzav realized that passion alone wasn’t enough; she needed to understand the “hard science” of business: federal taxation and financial reporting.

“When I started a website, that’s when I began learning about taxes,” Katzav admits. “I’m not a business student, so I’m still learning, but I do what I have to do.”

To provide a deeper perspective for our readers, we consulted Dr. Betty Xing, an assistant accounting professor. Her advice for student founders is clear: documentation is the foundation of growth. “All income is taxable by default,” Xing notes.

Dr. Xing emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between a business and a hobby. To qualify for tax deductions on expenses such as advertising, supply costs, or startup investigation, a student must demonstrate that the business is run for profit through meticulous bookkeeping and structured pricing strategies.

The Student Founder’s Playbook

These lessons in accountability have fundamentally changed how Katzav operates. She no longer relies on guesswork; she relies on data.

• Track Every Cent: Katzav now uses budget sheets to track supply costs, labor time, and profit margins.
• Value Your Craft: Moving away from “hobbyist” pricing allowed her to reinvest in the business long-term.
• Confidence in Commerce: “I have learned to be confident about what I am selling and how I price it,” she reflects.

Today, Katzav continues to grow her brand through social media and word-of-mouth. Beyond the profit, the business has served as a vehicle for personal growth, making her more confident in the work she puts out into the world.