Naturally Lefty

Entrepreneurship isn’t just for adults—many kids and teens are starting their own businesses, selling handmade crafts, baked goods, digital products, or services. Whether you’re looking to turn a hobby into a business or want to start making money on your own terms, becoming a youth entrepreneur is an exciting journey. But where do you start? This guide will walk you through the steps and tools you need to build a successful business at a young age.

Step 1: Find Your Business Idea

Every successful business starts with an idea. Think about what you love to do, what you’re good at, and what people are willing to buy. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Handmade Products – Jewelry, candles, soaps, keychains, stickers, or paintings.

• Baked Goods & Treats – Cookies, cupcakes, lemonade stands, or healthy snacks.

• Services – Babysitting, pet sitting, lawn care, tutoring, or social media management.

• Digital Creations – Printables, artwork, video editing, or online reselling.

Choose something you enjoy and can realistically manage with your skills, budget, and time.

Step 2: Plan Your Business

Once you have an idea, create a simple business plan. This doesn’t need to be complicated—it just helps you organize your thoughts. Consider these key points:

• What are you selling? Be specific about your products or services.

• Who is your customer? Think about who would buy your product—kids, parents, teens, teachers?

• How much will you charge? Research similar products and decide on a fair price.

• Where will you sell? Will you sell at school events, craft fairs, online, or door-to-door?

Step 3: Gather the Right Tools & Supplies

Having the right tools will make running your business easier. Here’s a checklist based on different types of businesses:

For Handmade & Craft Businesses:

• Crafting supplies (yarn, beads, clay, fabric, etc.)

• Packaging materials (bags, boxes, tissue paper)

• Business cards or tags

• A display setup for craft fairs or online photos

For Baked Goods or Food Businesses:

• Baking tools (mixing bowls, measuring cups, oven)

• Food-safe packaging (containers, wrappers)

• Labels for ingredients & pricing

For Service-Based Businesses:

• Flyers or posters to advertise

• A calendar for scheduling appointments

• A notebook or app for tracking clients and payments

For Digital & Online Businesses:

• A computer or tablet

• A design tool like Canva (for making logos, social media posts, or printables)

• A website or social media account for promotion

• A payment system like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App (with parental supervision)

Step 4: Set Your Prices

Pricing is important—you want to make a profit but still be affordable. Use this simple formula:

(Cost of Materials + Time Spent) × 2 = Selling Price

For example, if it costs $3 to make a bracelet and you spend 15 minutes creating it, you might charge $6 to $8.

Also, think about discounts for bundles (e.g., “Buy 2, Get 1 Free”) to encourage more sales.

Step 5: Market Your Business

Even the best products won’t sell if no one knows about them! Here’s how to spread the word:

• Word of Mouth – Tell friends, family, and teachers about your business.

• Social Media – Create an Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook page to show your work.

• Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets – Sign up for local events to sell in person.

• Posters & Flyers – Put up ads in schools, libraries, or community centers.

If you’re selling online, good product photos and descriptions are key. Use natural lighting and show different angles of your products.

Step 6: Manage Your Money

Keeping track of your money is a big part of running a business. Here’s how:

• Open a Business Notebook or App – Track sales, expenses, and profit.

• Use a Payment System – Cash is great, but apps like Venmo (with parental help) make payments easy.

• Save & Reinvest – Don’t spend all your earnings! Put some money back into your business to buy more supplies.

Step 7: Learn & Grow

Running a business is a learning process. Every sale (or mistake) teaches you something new. Here’s how to keep improving:

• Ask customers for feedback—what do they like? What could be better?

• Watch YouTube or read books about business tips.

• Set new goals—do you want to sell at a bigger event? Add new products? Expand online?

Final Thoughts: Start Small & Dream Big!

Becoming a youth entrepreneur is a great way to develop creativity, responsibility, and money management skills. Start with a simple idea, use the right tools, and always look for ways to improve. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, offering services, or running an online shop, the experience will help you grow skills that last a lifetime.

Are you a young entrepreneur? What business ideas excite you the most? Let’s chat in the comments!