Interview with Bella Tipping
Kidzcationz
Bella Tipping - Founder at 11 years old
Dubbo, Australia
Bella Tipping was barely out of primary school when she had the sudden light bulb idea to start up her own travel website with one unique difference. Unlike other traditional travel sites, Kidzcationz is a kid friendly site, taking the youngest travellers opinions into account as they rate and review accommodation. This ingenious idea giving families greater insight when it came to planning and booking their holidays.
Inspired by Bella’s entrepreneurism we sat her down to ask her about her experiences.
1) How would you best describe Kidzcationz?
Kidzcationz is a travel review website for kids. It’s a place where kids can share stories about their holidays and review hotels, restaurants and attractions they have visited.
“If you can think it, you can do it.”
2) What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I never considered myself an entrepreneur, in fact at 11 years of age, I didn’t ever know what an entrepreneur was. I just had an idea that I wanted to develop and did my best to make it happen. It wasn’t until the site was launched that I heard the word entrepreneur for the first time. I just considered myself a kid who wanted to help other kids and learn about business along the way.
3) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
My parents have supported me every step of the way. They funded Kidzcationz to begin with and help me out with everything I need. They happily travel with me for meetings and are constantly supportive of everything I do.
“Remind yourself everyday that nothing is impossible.”
4) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
My motto in life is “if you can think it, you can do it”. If you have an idea and really put your mind to it, you can achieve something from it. Nothing is impossible and it’s important to try to achieve your goals. But you have to be prepared to work hard and learn to take criticism and not let that criticism be the reason for not making things happen.
5) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
A platform like Kebloom would have really helped me when I was creating Kidzcationz. It would allow me to develop new skills and would help me put everything together as well as linking with like minded kids. That was one of the things I wish I had- other kids didn’t understand what I was doing and as a result I had little peer support.
6) What has been the best part about starting up a business?
I think starting a business at such a young age helped me to realise that not everything happens when you want it and not everyone is going to like your idea but if you believe in yourself, none of that matters. I can hear the word no and realise it is not the end of an idea but an opportunity to go back to the drawing board and develop my idea further.
7) What skills have you developed since being an entrepreneur?
Thick skin would be one skill but I have also learned how to listen and think before I jump into a new idea. I’ve learnt how to negotiate and how to market a product, I understand branding and consumer trends and I can confidently communicate with all people on all levels.
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.