‘Fashionpreneur’ Gives Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to create your own path to success, meet Ariana Pierce, author and CEO of Superstar Nail Lacquer and Style and Shoppe Accessories. At just 13 years old, she launched her first business with the help of her parents, but at 17 years old, she set out on her own to create a fashion brand that was more mature.

“There was a choice between starting a clothing business, t-shirt line and many other things, but the idea of nail lacquer came to mind because it was something that was different. Plus, at that time, there were no fast drying, brightly-colored eco-friendly lacquers, so I knew that I had a unique product that the world would love,” said Pierce.

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The young force to be reckoned with, continues to push her nail lacquer line and style accessories beyond international borders, and she recently published a new book, How To Build Your Blogging Business: In A Week. Currently on a mission to “help other young people live their dreams now, not later,” Black Enterprise.com caught up with the smart, ambitious trailblazer to learn a few tips for aspiring young entrepreneurs.

BlackEnterprise.com: How did you make the transition to entrepreneurship?

Pierce: At the age of 15, I asked my parents if I could work in their office as the secretary to get a true feel of what it’s like to run an office. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had because I learned how to answer the phone properly, how to take orders, how to handle and resolve conflict and gather a staff to get on the same page. This is something I would recommend to anyone wanting to be in business. Learn how to be a great employee, so that way you know what to expect and how to relate to those who will work for you.

At a young age, you’ve successfully launched several businesses and published a book. How did you know when you were ready to launch your second business?

My second business, Style Shoppe Accessories, was actually passed down from my mother, Stacia Pierce. She owned this great line of costume jewelry, but as she began business coaching, she didn’t have time to focus on it. Because I was into fashion and loved marketing, she asked me to take it over and run the business. I knew I was ready to handle the second business because I had already seen significant profits and opportunities with my first brand, plus I had the time to focus on both.

What makes your business different than other businesses?

The story and message behind the brand makes my business different. It’s a story of a young girl who decided to pursue her dreams now and not later. A story of hope and inspiration for other young people who want to build their empires too. Also, our marketing to millennials gives me strong positioning within the beauty industry.

What advice can you give someone who is passionate about many things, but can’t decide which passion to choose from?

I would say start with your lowest hanging fruit. What that means is, start with the passion that’s easiest for you to pursue. What are you really good at? What do people come to you for the most? Use that talent to get your name out there and on the market. Once you have succeeded at that one thing, the door will open for you to make money and pursue your many different talents.

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