Girl Scouts is all about building girls’ confidence in their ability to put their ideas into action. Two local female entrepreneurs, Isabel and Caroline, had a big (and bubbly!) idea—these self-proclaimed “teenage sisterpreneurs™” are owners of daBomb Bath Fizzers.* I got in touch with Isabel and Caroline to see how they started their own business, and to share their great advice for girls looking to be the next CEO.
How did you get started with daBomb Bath Fizzers?
Caroline: About three years ago, we entered a local art fair. There was a youth division, and we decided to make and sell bath bombs! We wanted to make them special, so we put a surprise inside every one. It started as a hobby, but in April 2015, we decided to make it an official business. We got new packaging, a better recipe, and started reaching out to different retail stores. Now we’re in over 250 stores in 30 states, and our business continues to grow every day. It’s sometimes hard to find a balance with school because some of our teachers don’t understand how big our business is becoming and how we sometimes need to miss school for business meetings!
What’s the coolest thing about being a girl entrepreneur?
Isabel: I don’t really like to label myself as a “girl” entrepreneur, or even a “young” entrepreneur when it comes down to it. People in this world like to label other people. But I just think of myself as a person who is trying to create a successful business. I try to have confidence, know my product, and treat everyone with respect. And hopefully, people will treat me with the same respect.
Caroline: I think owning a business is the best thing you can do. It’s a great way to meet so many amazing people, and have some really cool opportunities. I think being an entrepreneur (whether you’re female or male) is so unique. Not many people can say they started their own business at 11 or 12, and I’m glad we did!
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Caroline: My biggest concern is probably keeping up with all the demand. (Great problem to have, right?!) It can be hard with all the orders coming in, and trying to fulfill on time. We have a lot to think about, like making sure we have enough employees, supplies, and even boxes to put our orders in! Sometimes we’re short on all these things!
Isabel: I always feel pressure to satisfy our customers, but I guess that’s what I signed up for when I decided to be an entrepreneur. I always expect the unexpected, which basically means to be ready for anything that could happen, good or bad.
If you had one piece of advice for girls who want to be entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Caroline: Go for it! Think of an idea and then make it your own. Create something you enjoy and you think other people would love. As long as what you’re doing makes you happy, and it’s safe – go for it!
Isabel: I encourage you all to find something you love doing and pursue that passion 100%. It could be being an entrepreneur, or it could be something else. Don’t do it to make someone else happy, do it to make you happy.
*Intrigued? You can find daBomb Bath Fizzers for sale in our shop! Stop by to pick up a Ninja Bomb or Cake Bomb (yummy!), a perfect gift for that birthday party this Saturday!
Natasha Brownlee – Other than chatting with Troop Leaders and planning events, Natasha also works with Gold Awards and runs the In the Loop blog! Her background is in curriculum development, programming, and creative writing. She has bachelor’s degrees in Peace Studies and French and a Masters in Gender, Development & Globalization and has worked with various girl-centered organizations in the US and abroad. Natasha loves traveling around the world, practicing yoga, and hanging out with her dog, Rooney!