How 14-Year-Old Entrepreneur Turned Dads ‘No’ into a Profitable Beauty Business

Who inspired you to go into entrepreneurship?

My dad because he said NO! But my mom made me realize, my hobby could be so much more.

How did you get the funds to start your business?

That’s one of the coolest things I learned from Kid Biz, how to borrow from the bank of mom and dad. My dad loaned me $500 to buy my first real supplies.

Let’s talk about the sacrifices you’ve made to start your business.

Time is my biggest sacrifice. I still feel like I am living the teen-age life but I just don’t have all the extra time to do stuff that other teens do. But I know it’s all worth it.

I have had to miss out on a ton of fun stuff. My friends always invite me to their dinners or parties. They go to the mall or movies and a lot of the time I have to make product or go to an event to sell it. They didn’t understand it at first, but over the years it has gotten easier. Now, they come to work with me sometimes and I have more free time to hang out with them.

What advice do you have for other kids who think they’re too young to start a business?

You’re never too young. You need a  network of like-minded people, some start up money and your grand idea.

There are tons of free resources out there for kids to learn about business. If you can learn snap chat and how to play video games, then you can research how to make your idea come to life.

Don’t accept no for an answer but seek wise help from people you trust. It’s not easy but if you involve your friends they may help you. I am building a program called Z + ME, which is an ambassador program. This program will enlist other teen girls who want to start a business and give back to girl’s education and their communities.

How do you juggle school and Zandra Beauty?

My school Nardin Academy has been very supportive. They allow me the flexibility I need to manage my business, attend events and make public appearances.

It’s not easy to keep up with my schoolwork because my school is very challenging, but I work hard and get it done.

My school has participated in a few of my events. My friends from school are a part of my “Day of The Girl Buffalo” committee.  We organize an event every October that exposes girls in the community to career possibilities, technology, arts, food, healthy hair, age appropriate dress/ make up and business.

My mom is my Momager. She does all my scheduling. I have been traveling to speak more often and that’s the part I really love. She makes sure I don’t do to many things in one week and I tell her when to add the mall or movies on to the calendar lol.  Also, we just hired staff that will assist with us many of the things I used to do. That’s a great thing.

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The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13—16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve.  To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet