Sarah: Please tell me how you got started and where CEO Kids and parents can find out more info about you.
Mary: I got started by watching my mom stir soap and I thought that I might want to make soap. I asked her, and she said, “Yes, but MP (Melt & Pour) only.” She went to a conference and came back with a little kit of Passionfruit Rose fragrance, purple colorant and soap base. You can find out more about my products and me on my web page at www.SarasSoapsnSuch.com.
Sarah: When did you start thinking about starting your own business and becoming an entrepreneur and why did you want to start?
Mary: I started thinking about starting my own business in May 2010. I wanted to start my own business after watching my mom and I thought, Hey, I might like this.
Sarah: Where did you come up with your idea and what investigation did you do to help you know that this would be a great business?
Mary: I came up with my idea at home. My mom had noticed that there are not a lot of artisan bath and body products made for little girls, let alone by little girls. A lot of the products out there are more like make-up, but I wanted to make something that wouldn’t make little girls look too grown up. Their parents seem to like this, too, because they don’t want their elementary-aged girls wearing make-up.
Sarah: What do you think are the most important skills you have that help you in business?
Mary: The most important skills I have that help me in my business are an eye for color and creativity in soap design and in the various products I make.
Sarah: What were the biggest obstacles, problems you had in getting started in business?
Mary: I really didn’t have any problems or obstacles when I was getting started in my business. I, of course, had to learn how to make soap correctly – not add too much color or scent, the right pouring temperatures and so forth. This was sometimes a challenge, and of course, I made some mistakes.
Sarah: How old were you when you started and how old are you now? How does your age affect your business success?
Mary: I was 6 when I started my business and now I’m 7, almost 8. I think my age helps me be successful, because of my attitude as a little girl. I approach every product I make with the same question: What will make this product sell? The answer is, “Because I made it, and it’s a great product!”
Sarah: What about college? Are you planning on going?
Mary: Yes.
Sarah: What kind of expenses or start-up costs did you have when you started your business and where did you find the money or capital to start?
Mary: My mom bought my supplies and ingredients. Most of the stuff she already had in stock from her business.
Sarah: What have been the best surprises that you found in starting your business?
Mary: The best surprise I have found in starting my business is the fun of it. It makes me feel happy when I’m making my products, and I think that they will sell because they are good products.
Sarah: 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?
Mary: I do most of the work for my products, but my parents will help me with some of the body products, the lip balms and glosses, especially, because to make them, we have to melt waxes and butters. My dad helps me with the fishy soaps.
Sarah: What ideas and approaches do you use to market 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?
Mary: My favorite avenue for marketing is word-of-mouth. I have my own business cards that I give out to people, and I tell anyone who will listen about my latest products. My mom also posts updates about my products on her Facebook page and on Twitter. We’re currently in the process of going to various shops that would be good places to sell my Sun On the Go sets.
Sarah: How do you balance it all? Do you find that you still have time to be a kid?
Mary: Balancing it all is pretty easy for me. When I’m not filling orders or getting ready for a craft show, I go ahead and stock up on my soaps. This gives me time to play with my friends, clean my room and, when school’s in session, do my lessons. That way, if someone places an order, I can just grab it and don’t have to worry about making it. This doesn’t always work out. This past Spring, I got a special order for 60 butterfly soaps for a wedding in the UK. It was my first wedding order, my first humongous order and my first international order.
Sarah: What is the best advice or tips you would like to share with young entrepreneurs?
Mary: The best advice I’d like to share with young entrepreneurs is, Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your parents.
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