How I Started My Business, “AC Made”, by AP
If you told me a year ago that I’d be running my own business in high school, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Flash forward to today, I am successfully running AC Made, my small business where I design and sell banners, cups, buttons, and custom signs for every event you can imagine.
It all started super simple! I made a few banners for friends, posted them on Instagram, and eventually grew it, getting orders here in Dallas, and eventually shipping to 3 other states!!! A small idea I had my sophomore year now allows my designs to be part of birthdays, graduations, game days, and so many special moments.
How can yooou start your own business? Here are 5 huge tips I’ve learned along the way:
1. Start With What YOU Love
I always loved being creative and making things for fun. Turning that into a business didn’t feel like “work” …it felt like sharing something I already enjoyed. Find a small hobby or passion of yours to grow!
2. Don’t Wait To Start It
I had this idea for a few months before I started, and I procrastinated it way too much. I ended up just launching it! I definitely didn’t have it all figured out when I started. I just started posting and taking orders, and figured things out as I went. Going through the trial and error brought me to the spot I’m in today!
3. Stay Organized
Between school, sports, clubs, and social activities, keeping track of orders was a challenge. I learned fast that notes, lists, and planners are lifesavers. Keep track of EVERYTHING! Orders, profits and customers.
4. Do It For You, Not Just Your Resume
If you keep up with it, running a business can look great on college apps, but that should never be the only reason. If you don’t actually care about what you’re doing, you’ll burn out SUPER fast. AC Made works for me because I love creating, not because I wanted a resume booster.
5. The Best Part Is the People
My favorite thing is seeing how happy someone is when they get their designs!! Knowing I helped make their event special makes the countless hours spent working worth it.
AC Made has taught me confidence, creativity, and responsibility. Most of all, it’s taught me that high school girls are capable of way more than we think.
So if you’ve ever thought about starting something, whether it’s art, baking, fashion, or literally anything, take this as your sign to just go for it!! ❤️
This article was written by one of our Ambassadors, 16 year old, AP. Click here to read her post, “my Travel for Teens summer service trip”! Also, to check out her company’s IG, click here.
