Meet Maya. When she’s not in school or playing, she’s creating! After watching her mother create her own business, Maya followed suit and began designing jewelry. Maya answered a few questions we have for all small businesses and her answers are sure to inspire even the most seasoned entrepreneur. Read on to see how Maya got started and what she’s learned so far.
What made you decide to start your own business?
So when I first made a bracelet before it was a business my mom said it looks really pretty. My mommy has a business and I see how hard she works but she also loves what she does. I was saving my money for something I really wanted but I used it to buy supplies and start making creations because I really love it.
You not only started a business, you actually handmake what you sell! Tell us about how you decided to make jewelry.
I like to mix different colors and beads to make bracelets just for you. Each bracelet can be different because I like to add letters and different kinds of beads. I also made my mom a Mothers Day gift and it was a stamped necklace so I added that to my business because my mom loved it so much.
What have you learned so far about having your own business?
It can be really hard to work with the small beads because they’re so tiny. Sometimes I spill the beads or they come off of the bracelet so they get everywhere and I have to start over. Also when you make things I learned that you also have to spend time cleaning everything up and putting them away.
How do you make time for being an entrepreneur, a student, and having fun?
Well my parents help me take the orders and schedule time to make them. They said I should always do my responsibilities first and play first. I love creating things but it takes some time so my mom said I have to have fun first. Now that it’s summer break and I don’t have school I spend time with my family first and then I can work on my bracelets and necklaces.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?
It’s so great that you have passion to start a business and want to do something you love like I do. It’s ok if someone else has a business like yours because you can work together and brainstorm together. We are all special and do better together. Also I saved money for a long time but I didn’t know what I was going to buy with my money yet until I knew I really loved making bracelets. I mean you don’t have to know what you want to do right away but you will know when you know it’s something you love.
Follow along with Maya on Instagram and shop with her in person at the Little Bosses Festival on October 3rd at Annapolis Town Center!
