We met Makenna McMillan, 12, at our market in Cumming, GA this spring! Her business, Beauty Cycle, was so intriguing that we just had to learn more about how she got started and what keeps her going. Check out what she had to say below!
CEM: Tell us about your business. How did you first get the idea?
So I have really sensitive skin! When I was a baby, my mom tried to find products that wouldn’t irritate my skin. This turned into her creating her own recipes for skincare items to use on me. As I grew older and became interested in starting a business of my own, she shared all of her sensitive skincare recipes with me. I decided, “why not share this with the world?!” So I started making body scrubs and the bigger my business grows, the more products I hope to add to my inventory. At the moment I have body scrubs and bath salts.
CEM: What supplies and resources did you need to get going? How did you get ahold of them?
My mom. She is amazing! I get good grades in school and as a reward for that she really goes above and beyond to help me out when I need supplies or ingredients for my business.
I reinvest a lot, but I take 45% of what I make. I used to take only 35% but I’m realizing with inflation I tend to need a little more money. I have a savings account specifically for my business that I do not touch unless I need it for business purposes. I might not have a great market day but need supplies. I can then use that savings account to cover my costs for future markets.
CEM: What are some challenges you’ve faced in business, and how did you overcome them?Sometimes the consistency of scrubs can be difficult. I stay up late to work on my products which means I sometimes don’t get a ton of sleep. I test all of my scrubs as I make them, so the products feel right for my customers.
Many times my friends want me to go out with them or do things and honestly I love my business so much, I would just much rather participate in a market or work on developing new recipes and products. It can be hard to turn them down, but I know that having this business could really help me reach a future goal of being able to travel the world one day.
I don’t have social media personally, but my sister is going to help me soon with social media to promote my business that way.
CEM: Do you have any advice for other aspiring kid entrepreneurs?
Always follow your dreams! The sky’s the limit. Never back down, it doesn’t matter what others say to you, it only matters what you think and how you feel about your business. Be wise and LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS!
CEM: How can potential customers get in touch with you?
You can reach me at my email address beautycycle@yahoo.com
I deliver to customers near me, but I most definitely will ship items to you as well!
Thank you for participating in the market, Makenna! We hope to see you again this fall!
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