Durability Meets Creativity
Meet Jenna Vitale: a Penn State student and small business owner who’s found a way to merge her passions and creativity into an upcoming brand.
by Shayla Ismael ★ november 9, 2024
In the whirlwind of finals week, in May 2024, Jenna Vitale sought comfort in art and a spark ignited, leading to the creation of Vii (pronounced "Vee") — a phone case brand tailored for strong, independent women. With encouragement from her close-knit circle of friends, Vitale took the leap, channeling her love for design and personal experiences into something bigger than she ever anticipated.
Each case from Vii is inspired by one of her friends, giving the brand a personal, authentic touch that resonates with her audience. Being at a large university like Penn State provided Vitale with the perfect opportunity to market her creations. She’s used her campus community as a launching pad, relying on word of mouth and social media buzz. Additionally, collaborating with groups like Kappa Delta at Sacred Heart University has extended her reach beyond Pennsylvania, proving that Jenna’s business instincts are sharp.
Vitale’s love for art runs deep and is influenced by her artist father and grandmother. Growing up surrounded by creativity, it was only natural for her to express herself through her brand. After cycling through various names, she landed on Vii, a nickname gotten from a high school friend—fitting for a brand inspired by strong female friendships.
But running a business hasn’t come without challenges. Vitale admits she’s developed a newfound respect for small business owners. “It takes time, but it’s possible,” said Vitale She’s quickly learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, from calculating expenses to maintaining a balance between her academic workload and business ambitions. Taking relevant business and design courses has also helped her apply what she learns in class directly to growing her brand.
When asked about her dream collaboration, Vitale’s eyes lit up—Diesel, a brand known for its streetwear, is on her radar. Her next goal? To make Vii a household name. As students continue to mature, Vitale hopes her phone cases will serve as a reminder for them not to lose their sense of creativity.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “It’s a lot harder than it seems, but don’t give up. And remember—you didn’t come this far just to come this far.”
With the help of her supportive friends, campus collaborations, and determination, Vitale’s journey with Vii is just getting started.