You want to be sure to READ every BIT of this interview with Maddie Bradshaw. Then you will want to hop on over to her mom’s article and read some fabulous parenting tips from Diane Bradshaw!
Sarah: Please tell me how you got started and where CEO Kids and parents can find out more information about you.
Maddie: Our website is www.m3girldesigns.com. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Sarah: When did you start thinking about starting your own business and becoming an entrepreneur and why did you want to start?
Maddie: Every year the second grade class had a stationary sale where they learn about owning a business. They take a loan out of the bank and use a stuffed animal as collateral. They apply for a job and create an assembly line to make the stationary.
Sarah: So Maddie, what do you think are the most important skills you have that helped you in business?
Maddie: Creativity and patience!
Sarah: For sure creativity is essential in your business where you are always coming up with new designs! Maddie, what were the biggest obstacles, problem you had in getting started in business?
Maddie: Luckily we didn’t have any major obstacles in starting the business since it started out as a craft project. We only solicited to one store and they agreed to try us out!
Sarah: That is so fabulous! You were totally blesses in that many people have to go through lots of rejection and you had such a great product that you were able to create success from the beginning! That is awesome! What do you think your biggest niche is and who are you marketing?
Maddie: We are marketing to girls my age with fashionable jewelry and accessories that are fun and that don’t look too childish.
Sarah: What I LOVE about them is that there is something for everyone! You have created so many styles that everyone will find something that they like! So Maddie – where did you come up with your idea and what investigation did you do to help you know that this was a great opportunity for a business?
Maddie: Actually, it was my uncle’s coke machine… my friends liked my designs so much and I figured other kids would as well. I decided to take my SNAP CAPS into a local toy store to see if they would try them out. Everything sold out within two hours!
Sarah: So tell me about your age…how does that affect you?
Maddie: I have a unique life that most 14 year olds will never experience. My business doesn’t cause me pressure. I love to draw. I find it very relaxing.
Sarah: You certainly do have a life that most 14 year olds will never experience! I am so impressed with all you have created! You are amazing! OK – this is a question that I keep getting mixed answers on – what about college? Are you planning on going?
Maddie: Yes, education is really important to me. I plan to be a patent attorney or a publicist.
Sarah: Since you have dealt with both of those fields because of your business I am sure you will love whatever you decide to do. What about the expenses or start up costs that you had to come up with when you began your business – where did you find the money?
Maddie: I invested $300 of my own money from birthdays, special gifts, tooth fairy’s gifts etc., my mom matched it. To date, our business is 100% debt free
Sarah: That is AWESOME! Certainly something that not every business can brag about! What a great accomplishment! This next question is kind of a fun one – what were the “good surprises” that you found in starting your business?
Maddie: We are all very surprised that we have made so much money considering our company started with only $300! I am saving my money for a car and for college. Margot is saving hers for college as well.
Sarah: So – do you do EVERYTHING by yourself or do you have people on your team that work with you? If so – how did you find people to help you along the way?
Maddie: Since I go to school, have homework, and play sports, I draw the original artwork for our Snap Caps and we have employees who manufacture them for me.
Sarah: Tell me about your best ideas or approaches for marketing your business and what do you find works best for you in getting the word out about who you are and what you are doing?
Maddie: Beyond endorsement from friends and local businesses, one of the most important resources we have used is having Public Relations. We recognized very early on that the key to our success was taking advantage of every opportunity, to share our unique story: A business started, and run by a 14 year old. Through partnerships with not for profit groups; print, radio and broadcast media placements; participating in celebrity events; promotions; online giveaways; posting homemade YouTube videos; posting on Facebook/ Twitter; and winning awards, the pr efforts have been a key element in the success and unprecedented growth of the m3 girl designs.
Sarah: Whew! That is some good stuff! I am sure anyone who reads this interview will be TAKING NOTES on all the ways that you are a brilliant marketer! So tell me about your daily or weekly efforts in spreading your brand message and will you share some tips on making connections to grow your business?
Maddie: Definitely a willingness to participate in such a diverse variety of activities was vital in transforming SNAP CAPS® from an after school hobby into the must-have accessory for tween girls nationwide.
Sarah: Maddie, you have an extremely busy life, how do you balance it all?
Maddie: My mom and my sister Margot are my partners, so having their input, advice and support has given me the best foundation for a successful business and life.
Sarah: In closing what advice or tips can you give to other CEO Kids and entrepreneurs?
Maddie: Follow your dreams, and make sure that whatever you’re doing, you’re having fun.
So there you have it – Power TIPS from the creator of the “must have accessory” for tween/teen girls – SNAP CAPS!
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