Instead of attending college after high school, I decided to launch a jewelry company. I wish I knew these three things
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I decided to launch a jewelry company. CREDIT: Kiana Mei
Learn How I decided to launch a jewelry company, This essay is based on an interview with 20-year-old Australian small company owner Kiana Mei. For clarity and length, it has been altered. Like many of my pals, I wanted to work in a cafe when I reached fifteen in order to get money. However, my father encouraged me to launch my business early, which is why, at the age of 20, I am now financially independent. I began selling origami butterfly artwork, which I developed during the COVID-19 lockdown after learning how to do it on a school trip to Japan.
- Kiana Mei began selling origami artwork in Melbourne markets at the age of 15.
- At the age of 20, she is financially independent and works for herself rather than attending college.
- She wishes she had learned three things about managing a business before she began.
I began selling them at Melbourne markets
When I was sixteen, I began selling them at Melbourne markets. I was taken aback when I sold my first piece of art to a woman who purchased three pieces for $100. It was the first time I understood that something I had created with my own hands could be profitable.
Shortly after launching my business, Kiana Mei Designs, which offers origami artwork and reasonably priced, personalized jewelry, I added jewelry to the product mix.
I balanced going to school during the week and going to the markets on the weekends until I graduated from high school. I received one of the best marks in my school when I finished the 12th grade, which would have qualified me for the majority of college classes.
However, I made the decision to devote all of my time to expanding my business rather than attending college for a single year. “What am I really going to be studying in university that is related to business that I’m not already doing now?” I asked myself as I was operating my business.
I currently have a stand at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, which is open Tuesday through Sunday. I am financially independent, have moved out of my parents’ home, and have no regrets.
However, there are three things I wish I had understood before launching my company.
1. The loneliness
The loneliness I would experience as a young entrepreneur is the first thing I wish I had known. When I first started, I was still in school, so I had close friends who had comparable intellectual interests.
However, those buddies drifted away and I lost touch with them once I graduated from high school, moved out, and began living on my own. There wasn’t much that we shared.
Particularly in Melbourne and throughout Australia, there aren’t many young entrepreneurs, particularly female ones. I’ve gone to a lot of networking events, but it’s more difficult for me to relate to the individuals around me because they’re much older.
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2. Making health a priority
I wish I had learnt how to turn off and strike a balance between work and life at a younger age.
I believe I sold at my stall nonstop for 14 days last Christmas. It takes a serious physical toll. I believe most people are unaware of how physically demanding standing all day may be.
I entirely lose my voice when I’m sick with a cold. I lost my voice for five days in August of last year, which prevented me from working for five days because I have to talk to clients.
However, I always prioritize my health, therefore I make an effort to maintain it.
Before going to the market, I make sure to work out at five in the morning and have a satisfying breakfast. About ten o’clock at night, I retire to bed.
3. Being aware that not everyone can use my product
It’s crucial to keep in mind that not everyone will benefit from your goods.
When I first started my business, I discovered this. I used to feel rejected when people would pass my stall without interacting with me.
“Why didn’t they stop?” I would ask myself. and I would obsess over everything.
You shouldn’t overthink retail because not everyone will like you or your product. You must locate the customers who genuinely value your offerings.
I’ve learned to accept that over time. Naturally, I’ll make an effort to talk to everyone when I’m at the market, but it doesn’t matter to me if someone doesn’t return my greetings or doesn’t want to stop and look.
It simply moves on to the next individual.
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