As we’ve seen throughout the month of March, inspiration from strong, smart women can come from all industries, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. And in Central MN, it can come from any age – like Yuli – a 13-year-old entrepreneur.
“I have always had a passion for art; I could sit at my desk for hours crafting. But seeing my sister get a job and earn her own money made me want to do the same so I could learn about business and have a little freedom.”
Yuli Angeles is a 7th grader at South Jr. High. Her favorite sport is dance and in her free time, she walks the aisles at our local craft shops – Crafts Direct, Hobby Lobby, and Michael’s. In August 2020, she started her own business, Yuli’s Happy Shop – and as of March 1st, you can shop her Etsy store.
“I always have loved making crafts! I actually used to sell paintings as well but those didn’t do too well. When I first made a rainbow keychain I loved them so much! After making rainbows for a couple of days I decided I wanted to start my own business. I sell my rainbows as keychains, earrings, and hair clips. The rainbow keychains are my favorite since it’s what got my business started, but I do love the boho-style and have started creating macrame keychains as well. My macrame keychains are my newest product. I hope to expand my products to shirts as well!”
Like any smart entrepreneur, Yuli considered her market and competition, “I didn’t really know anyone around here who sold the rainbow keychains, so I felt like my product was unique.” At just over 6 months old, Yuli has seen impressive growth. “The first out-of-state order I got was North Carolina, and now I’ve sent my products to 26 different states!” On her Instagram, @yulis._.happyshop, you can follow along as she tracks how many states she’s sold to.
But it’s not always rainbows… “I have had so many challenges while running my business. When I first started Yuli’s Happy Shop I sold my rainbows for $3. I didn’t understand how shipping worked at all so when I got my first order from someone who wasn’t local I didn’t even charge for shipping. Another struggle I had was balancing school, dance, and my small business. I had dance practice every day after school and wouldn’t get home until around 7 pm so it was kinda hard finding time to make rainbows for me. Now that my dance season is over I have a lot more time!”
“I would say my favorite part about my business is when someone sends me a DM (direct message) saying that they loved their order! I also just love having other small business friends who are my age because it’s so much fun supporting each other.”
You can find Yuli’s products on her Instagram, TikTok, and her Etsy Shop, https://www.etsy.com/shop/yulishappyshop – where she has nothing but glowing, 5-star reviews.
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