5 biggest things I have learned as a young entrepreneur
by Isabella Duarte-Crespo
Hello! I am Isabella. I am 15-years-old with big dreams, and one of my dearest dreams is to create practical (and applicable) solutions for children who experience incontinence. I was born with Spina Bifida Occulta with tethered spine syndrome. Ten years ago, my mom and I came up with the idea for underwear with pockets to help me manage my health condition. And five years ago I formed a business to sell our new products and help the kids with similar health problems.
Here are the five biggest things I have learned as a young entrepreneur.
BE PATIENT
First and foremost, the most important thing I learned in having a business is to be patient. Everything takes time: coming up with an idea, creating and finalizing a design, finding a manufacturer, having a prototype done, monitoring and making sure everything is going smoothly, launching the product, and selling it and shipping it out to customers. No matter how much I want to move everything along, I have to be patient and let things move along as planned.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
The second thing I have learned is how to improve my public speaking. This is really important especially when it comes to going to events and representing my product or when pitching my business. It’s a skill that can be used in almost any field.
BE OPEN MINDED
The third important thing that I have learned is to be open minded. I have learned and made it a point to be open to suggestions or opinions from others. Whether they are positive or negative, I’m willing to take any feedback so I can improve myself, my business, and my products.
BE PERSISTENT
The fourth thing that I’ve learned is to be persistent and keep going. No matter how many times I felt discouraged or defeated, I always get back up. I have learned to keep on trying, no matter how many times it takes, and not to give up.
TEAM
And finally, the last thing I have learned is that I don't have to do everything alone. It has been extra rewarding to have people who are willing to help along the way. If you have access to family and/or friends who can support you, go to them. You have no idea how much they would be willing to help. I would never have dreamed of starting this business if it weren’t for my mom. She’s been helping me out behind the scenes, and besides being the best mom ever, she’s also a great business partner.
Learn more about our business: https://hiddenunderwear.com/