Elise Frost

While managing costs, profits and shipping labels may seem like the job of an adult, it’s one sophomore Elise Frost takes pride in completing. Frost started a handmade earring business by selling on Instagram. In order to create her product, Frost bought charms, earring hoops, earring backings and bags for packaging.

“There is a lot more than people probably think to starting up,” Frost said. “You have to find all the inventory for the materials you need and calculate from the price you spend on materials how much the product will cost. Along with buying materials, you have to take pictures of the product, figure out how to advertise, and more.”

Frost believes that the biggest challenge in starting her business was advertising, especially to people she didn’t know.

“Advertising a business is hard because there are so many people on social media trying to do the same thing as you do,” Frost said. “You have to find a way for your business to stand out. For me, I spent a lot of time making my packaging really nice and professional-looking in order to stand out.”

Using Instagram as a marketing tool to grow her business, Frost was able to gain 39 followers from both people she did and didn’t know.

“I posted about my business on my main Instagram account, so people who didn’t know me as well came over and checked me out,” Frost said.

Despite the challenges, it was all worthwhile to receive an order, according to Frost.

“It was relieving to get my first few customers; it felt like what I had been working on hadn’t been a complete waste of time,” Frost said.

Frost learned the value of money and is applying these skills to her everyday life. 

“I think it’s a great idea for any teens to start a business if they are interested, because of the little economic pressure teens have. For example, I learned how to better manage my money without risking too much like my mortgage, since I’m still living with my parents. Overall, it’s a great learning experience,” Frost said.