I'm 14 and Running a Business

I was a really shy kid growing up. My mom enrolled me in acting and singing lessons hoping it would help. I loved it so much that at the age of 8, I promised myself I would be on Broadway someday (a big dream, I know). Little did I know, as I became a business owner at the age of 14, that all those skills (like public speaking) would be in constant use.

One day I was at the supermarket in the bath and body section because I loved all things colorful and scented. My family has always been into all-natural everything, so my eyes were easily drawn to the products marketed as all-natural. Although the products had soothing oils and butters, most scrubs and shower gels had strange ingredients like synthetic dyes called red 21 or blue lake. I had no idea what these meant, so I went home that night and did my research. 

These unnatural colors were what drew my eye to the products, and so I concluded that companies use dyes as a way to differentiate their products and make them more appealing to the consumer. Young kids like me who love color are likely to see the “all-natural” label and skim over the unrecognizable ingredients. And that was the issue. Companies were manipulating the simple words “all-natural” to appeal to the consumer, but then they sneak in unhealthy ingredients.

After binge-watching many documentaries and doing my research for months, I was so surprised to discover the treacherous effects these supposedly harmless additives can have. As they are absorbed into the skin they could lead to things like cancer. I never thought of trying to make my own products, but after finding so many easy alternatives, I just knew it was a sign and I needed to give it a go. In my first online order, I bought a bunch of fruits, vegetables, and flower powders to color my homemade body scrubs, bath bombs, and more. In addition to the unique colorants, I also decided to include inspiring quotes with every product and help spread positivity.

Starting the Business

To be honest, I knew absolutely nothing about retail. When I was younger, I only pictured huge beauty brands in stores and had no clue that I could get my products on shelves with hard work and determination.

In the summer of 2018, I was still making these products as a hobby and for homemade gifts for my family and friends. One night my mom was scrolling through Facebook and saw an advertisement for new vendors for a craft show in my town. I thought this was an obvious sign that I needed to share my new discoveries with locals. The market was really different for me. I found it really scary to talk to adults and new people about myself. Almost everyone at the market just believed I was a young girl mixing some ingredients together with help from my parents, and that frustrated me. After the end of the show, I had some extra products that I wasn’t sure what to do with. My mom told me on our way home that there was a new gift shop that just opened up and I should go ask if they wanted my products. I was very hesitant at first and the shy girl inside of me was petrified to speak to the adults. What if they don’t take me seriously? What if I embarrass myself? 

My mom told me to just go for it. That was the best decision I ever made. I sat down with my dad that night and we planned prices and wholesale costs, two things I was really new to. After scheduling an appointment, I brought my basket of samples and handwritten sheet of prices over to the store. Immediately I felt comfortable and respected by the two owners. They walked me through the steps of finding a business name and made me feel like an equal in this new, scary business world. In August 2018, my products were on the shelves and I couldn’t be happier. That first month was a whirlwind of emotions. I felt excited and intrigued, but also confused and scared. Even though my products were in a store, I still felt like it was a hobby and something super small. Regardless, my family was so overwhelmingly supportive. It was a HUGE commitment to get involved in the retail world, but at that point, I knew I couldn’t stop at one store.

The Challenges of Business

Although I was blessed to have gotten the best startup advice from my local store, it was scary for me when I realized all stores wouldn’t be like that. I realized that starting a business called for an immense work and time commitment, but I was approaching Freshman year in high school. My parents were supportive, but they still held me to the same standard in school. They didn't want my school work to suffer, so I had to work extra hard to manage both. Being only 14 years old when I decided to expand into more stores created many doubters. Although my age was a unique selling point, many new stores would ignore my requests or not take me seriously because of my age. As much as I would like to say it didn't bother me, it did. It made me feel worthless and like there was no point in starting a business at my age.

However, something that my parents always taught me was to put yourself out there. So in December 2018, I researched and emailed a ton of new stores and met in person with every single one. When I walk to the door of each new store at the first meeting, I take a deep breathe and ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” I always respond with,  “Because I am not too young, and this research needs to be shared.”

My parents helped me so much in the beginning and I am so grateful. My dad helped me register my LLC, get insurance, and open a business bank account, and I still go to him for needed advice. My mom drives me to every single store for every single delivery and I couldn’t be happier that she gets to share a part of my business.

Where I’m at Today

Everytime I meet someone new and discuss my business, they automatically assume my life consists of my business and school, with no exceptions. Yes, I mainly am working or studying, but my passion for theatre and singing has never lessened. Every year I participate in my school musical, do spotlight for the drama, sing in my school’s acapella group and choir, and hang out with my friends and family. Owning a business has matured me and made me more self confident, but I like to teach people that you can’t let your work life interfere with your school life, especially as a teenager.

At the moment, I handle all marketing, communications, production and distribution myself. I do also have a label & logo designer, Olivia Pescatore, and a product photographer: Taine Brennan Photography. I take the majority of my product pictures and have really enjoyed using nature, and expanding my platform through Instagram. I also designed my website and love editing it to reflect my business and personality.

I don’t know where I’d be without my business. It has helped me become more confident, create a positive platform, and prove to myself that I do have a voice and I should use it for good. I have expanded to 7 stores across New Jersey and have set a goal to be in 15 stores before I graduate high school. I also want to major in something business-related, of course. And I’d like to open an Etsy shop in the very near future. As I created a reputation in my town and in many towns across the state, I learned that the business world is not as scary as I thought. Yes, people will be mean. People will tell you you're not good enough. People have certainly told me that my business would be a mess because of my age. But I had the passion and determination which led me to where I am now. 

Among the many things I've learned, my advice to other young entrepreneurs is to just go for it and if you have the passion, you will thrive. Also, it's okay to make mistakes. In the beginning, I became frustrated  with perfecting recipes and my business certainly wasn't perfect. I just remained committed and never gave up on this dream. There were many bumps in the road, but all the experience eventually brought my business to where it is now.

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