How Mackenzie Makes Money Doing What She Loves

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Mackenzie Pollard, a high school student who started a business founded on a hobby she loves, making homemade products. She sells her products online through her website links, which you can view here https://msha.ke/kenziescreations/

She started the business in late 2020, and in the months that followed, her business has expanded and grown at an impressive rate. She has named her business 'Kenzie's Creations.'

1. Tell me your story. Who are you and what is Kenzie's Creations?

My name is Mackenzie. I am 14 years old and a freshman in high school. I've always loved to do crafts ever since I was little and was always trying DIY projects. I made slime ALL the time and even had a little business with my sister. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit and people have always told me that.

Kenzie's Creations is your place to find cute, trendy, and affordable jewelry. And, I just added custom cups, phone cases and keychains to my shop! I hope to accomplish my goals and bring cute and affordable products to people with my business.

2. How and why did you decide to start this business?

When I was younger I had a business called Mackenzie's DIY Crafts. I sold handmade greeting cards. This was really the start of my business. After a while, I kind of let that go. Then in November 2020, I decided that I wanted to make and sell jewelry. So I started that and went back into greeting cards.

To start my business off, I had about $130. I went to Michaels and ordered a few things on Amazon. That was the start of, what was then, Kenzie's Diys. Recently, I changed my name to Kenzie's Creations and have changed my logo as well. I started with a few products and have now expanded into so many things and I don't plan to stop here. I have so many plans and ideas for Kenzie's Creations that I have to contain myself and do one thing at a time.

The reason I started this business was because I just love making jewelry and doing fun projects. I also love that I get to share my creativity with others. I hope that my business will grow enough that I don't have too many other jobs and it will be my main source of income.

3. Did anything scare you about starting this business?

I wouldn't say that I was necessarily scared about starting my business, but there have been times when I wanted to release a product and I was concerned that it wouldn't sell. Having a business isn't always easy, especially when I am the one paying for almost everything with little help from my parents financially. But, if you want to start a business, I would say go for it! Just make sure that you're ready for the challenges and fun that comes along with owning your own business!

4. You mentioned challenges. Do you have examples of such challenges or tips for how to overcome them?

Being a high school student who is balancing school, sports, church, family time, and a business can be stressful and overwhelming at times. My advice for anyone facing this is to plan out your day when you wake up in the morning and have a to-do list of things you want to get done that day. Even when facing challenges, it's always worth it to get to run my own business.

5. Is your business strictly online or do you have in-person sales as well?

As of right now, my business is only online but I hope to do some vendor events or pop up shops!

And there you have it: someone who uses their talents and hobbies to establish a business. Is what Mackenzie did something you might be interested in doing? Why or why not?