Tabitha Davies

Introduction

Working out what you enjoy, and finding a way to turn that into a business is exactly what 11 year old Tabitha has achieved. Read on to find out how she did this and what advice she gives to other young people who want to turn a hobby into a business.

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

Aged 9, Tabitha noticed her friends were making bracelets and decided to join in. She loved it so much, that she asked for birthday gifts of supplies such as clay beads and string to get her started. For the last two years she has been designing, making and selling bracelets to friends, family, and the wider community. She has sold over 400 bracelets so far and the business is making a healthy profit.

Tabitha takes inspiration from Pinterest for her designs, then makes them her own thinking about current trends (last year her ‘Wicked’ bracelets were very popular!) and also what she thinks will work well. 

“It used to take me a while [to make the bracelets] but now I’m much quicker” says Tabitha, who buys supplies in bulk because it’s cheaper, and includes a special ‘handmade with love’ business card and sticker with every bracelet. 

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

Tabitha’s family agreed to buy her the initial stock as birthday presents. Since then, the business has funded itself, but her Dad has helped with making display boards for when she goes to craft fairs, and her Mum has set up and oversees an Instagram account for Tabitha, which is very popular.

She has attended local craft fairs where customers have loved her bracelets so much that she sold out! Normally the school Summer Fair doesn’t allow pupils to have stalls, but she has been offered one this year.

What plans do you have for the future?

Tabitha plans to keep making the bracelets, but is also having a go at other ideas such as phone charms, key rings, and necklaces. She knows that the skills she is developing by running the business will help her in other parts of her life “I applied to be Head Girl at my school and put in lots of detail about my business in the application. Although I didn’t get Head Girl, I was given the role of Prefect”. Tabitha’s Mum said she is so much more confident with things like speaking to customers, managing stock levels and managing her money.

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

Finding something you enjoy and are good at has been key to Tabitha’s business success and she’s grateful for the help her parents have given her in getting started, as well as support from friends and school. 

“If you’re good at something, give it a go. If it doesn’t work out then try something-else.”

“Try to find someone who can help you achieve your dreams or goals.”

Tabitha clearly loves running her business, and coming up with new ideas. She is a very talented young person and we can’t wait to see her new designs over the coming months