“My small business is called Ditzy Bunny and I make beaded jewelry and accessories like keychains, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. 

The summer before my freshman year, I saw people creating necklaces online and was interested in buying materials to start doing the same thing, but the materials, especially glass beads, were pretty expensive. So I started saving the money that I earned and what I received on special occasions. I was a bit hesitant to invest in materials once I had the money because I wasn’t sure if it would work out or if people would buy anything. But I started by making a few things for myself and I really liked it, and I started making too much, so I thought ‘ I might as well sell the extra items’.

My creative process involves first seeing what materials I have and basing my designs off of what’s available. After I plan everything out, I use wire to assemble the beads into the finished product. I don’t necessarily make products to sell them, I make products when I am inspired by the things and people around me. I draw my inspiration from the media around me and the materials, color schemes, themes, or other products that I find interesting. 

At the beginning I was afraid that people would judge me for starting my own business or see my products as ‘childish’. I was scared it would make me stick out because most of the people my age around me don’t really do this kind of thing. But with time I learned how to be confident in what I do, because I am proud of every single thing that I make. I’ve learned to just trust myself and appreciate the results of my hard work. 

I do think that I have grown a lot with my business. At the beginning, I was kind of a pushover with my customers. Whenever they asked me to go out of my way to do something for them, like rushing the shipping of their order, I would accommodate them. After a while I realized that it was my business, and I should be the one to have the final say. 

For the people out there who might be interested in starting their own business, you have to understand that you might not initially make profit. It takes a lot of investment into your materials and setting up your business to get started. You need to figure out what you actually need so that you can spend wisely. 

If you’re afraid of what people might say and the judgment you may receive, just understand that it is all part of a learning process. In order to succeed, you have to realize that not everyone around you will be as passionate about the things that you care about. Just trust the process and know that if you put in the effort, your business will do well.”