When I was young, I briefly ventured into the world of entrepreneurship.
I saw an opportunity one summer after stumbling upon a little shop that sold beads by the bagful. I bought as many beads as I could afford with the money in my pocket and could safely bike home with, and set off to making beaded necklaces and earrings in my every waking moment.
With the encouragement and support of many in my community, I was able to get my “Taylor-Made” jewelry business up and running (I knew little of golf at that age, or registered trademarks for that matter.) It was a memorable experience.
So when I saw the writeup in the spring edition of the Rindge Chamber of Commerce’s community newsletter about a young entrepreneur over in Rindge, I thought of my jewelry-making days and decided to reach out.
Twelve-year-old Saidy Royal’s plan to start her own business began as many people’s do — with a desire to earn money. Though in the end, Saidy has established something she’s proud of and worked hard to develop.
Saidy’s Creations is a line of skincare products Saidy makes in her home that contain natural and clean ingredients. Her skincare line includes lotions, lip balms, hand salves and sanitizers and bug-bite relief sticks (her newest creation), and are made with a combination of essential oils, beeswax, shea butter and herbs. Saidy has found in the past that many skincare products don’t agree with her, and that the ingredients lack a natural quality which can lead to her experiencing side effects, like headaches and skin irritations.
With the help of her supportive mother, Erica Royal, Saidy has learned about the legwork required to get a business up and running. Her mother shared that the startup process Saidy engaged in included record-keeping of costs, developing recipes and finalizing ideas for Saidy’s Creations. Erica said that the learning that was taking place as her daughter developed her business, especially around math and problem-solving, was evident.
Once Saidy’s vision took shape, she then took lessons from her mother on how to make products, like lip balm and lotion. She learned about using a variety essential oils and herbs for soothing scents and effects. And after presenting a business plan to her father, Brian Royal, he agreed to give Saidy space in his office, the Edward Jones building in Rindge, where she could display and sell her creations.
With her parents’ support and guidance, Saidy has also started a Facebook page dedicated to Saidy’s Creations, where potential customers can see her products and learn more about how to purchase them.
Since perfecting her products and getting her business off the ground, Saidy has felt great support and has fulfilled many orders. Her classroom teacher’s fiancee, for instance, ordered 15 of each product in the Saidy’s Creations skincare line, and there was even an order placed out of Florida recently! This summer, Saidy hopes to sell her line at local farmers markets as well.
I admire Saidy’s resourcefulness and hard work. In addition to her business, Saidy is a great student and loves to play softball. I can tell she is proud of her business and what she has created. Young people with such drive and ingenuity should be celebrated in our community. Good luck with your business, Saidy!
Monadnock Hunger Walk
Consider donating time or money this week to the seventh annual Monadnock Hunger Walk, stepping off on May 6 at 9 a.m. in Hancock. Local Food Pantries and food-scarcity programs, including the Rindge Food Pantry and Got Lunch program, benefit from this 3.4-mile sponsored walk.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Hancock at 47 Main St. Contact Julie Flood-Page at 603-899-9759 or juliefloodpage@gmail.com or visit the Monadnock Hunger Walk Facebook page to learn more.
To share your stories, contact me at rindgecommcorr@yahoo.com.