Aislinn O'Brien

Introduction

If you’re wondering whether starting a business while still at school is a good thing, check out Aislinn’s story starting at just 10 years of age to discover why it’s not just good for her, but also for the local community and even the planet!

Why did you decide to start a business while still at school?

Aislinn’s idea to develop natural lip balms using locally sourced ingredients such as beeswax came after noticing how her friends were using products made from synthetic or petroleum based ingredients causing more problems for their skin such as peeling. She believed she could create something better using natural ingredients and put together a plan to make it happen!

The local school Science Fair was a catalyst for starting the business and she’s excited to be working alongside two of her friends at the Summer 2025 event where they will be asking visitors on their thoughts about the products and which they prefer.

Working on the business while still at school means being realistic about what can be done and when, but as Aislinn herself says “you have school holidays”.

Although starting the business is very exciting, Aislinn is also motivated by seeing how it can help others at a community level through sourcing local ingredients, through to donating money she will be making from the business to a national cancer charity.

What support have you received from family or others when starting out?

Aislinn’s family have been really supportive of her plans, helping her with things like finding local supplies, preparing the different formulas for the lip balms, and putting together a plan. School have also been great as well as her friends Evelyn and Elsie who keep Aislinn motivated.

What plans for the future?

In another year or so, Aislinn hopes to have a range of products available for sale in the local area, but she recognises how important it is to take time to develop her ideas and not rush into it. She believes there will still be plenty of space for her locally-sourced, natural skin care products, and her longer-term vision is for the range to expand beyond the local community.

What advice would you give to a young person thinking of starting a business while still at school?

Taking time to work out whether there is a need to be fulfilled, and making a plan have been important for Aislinn, as well as believing that you can make something work. Her two top tips are:

“It’s better to take your time and get it right, than rush and get it wrong!”

“You need to believe in yourself”

Aislinn is clearly a young lady with ambition, and kindness at her heart, and we look forward to seeing how her business progresses.