Interview with Jelani Jones
Lani Boo Bath
Jelani Jones - Founder at 9 years old
Virginia, USA
Jelani (Lani) Jones had the entrepreneurial tingle long before her business really took off. Having always loved creating and making as a kid, Lani would test out products that intrigued her. Taking that one step further and starting up Lani Boo Bath, Lani found others shared the same love she did! Nowadays, giving back to her community through inspiration, charitable deeds and quality products, Lani is jumping strength to strength and taking her business with her!
Inspired and excited by this blossoming entrepreneur, Kebloom asked Jelani some questions on her goals and plans for growth:
1) How would you best describe Lani Boo Bath?
Lani Boo Bath is about bath bombs, body butters, and handcrafted soaps. But, we are more than that. We prove to young girls everywhere that age is no factor; if you have talents and ideas you can share them with the world.
2) How old were you when you founded Lani Boo Bath?
I was 9 years old when I started Lani Boo Bath. I loved creating things and that love just happened to become something big!
“Start with your village (people who support you), have a plan, be willing to make some sacrifices and have fun!”
3) What passions inspired your business idea?
I enjoyed creating and mixing things, experimenting with textures, making my own bath products and inspiring others.
4) What problem were you solving in the creation of Lani Boo Bath?
Some parents don’t take their kids’ business ideas seriously. Since the creation of Lani Boo Bath, many kids have spoken to me about starting up their own business and their business ideas. I’ve also had parents ask me how to get their child started and if I have resources to help. So, I feel nowadays parents don’t underestimate their kids’ potential to become entrepreneurs at a young age, they are actually seeing more possibilities!
“Kebloom is now a part of my village, allowing me to spread the word of my business to people my age everywhere, proving that we are not too young to turn what we love into a business and to inspire others.”
5) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
I call my support team, my village. My village is made up of: my parents, siblings, grandparents, great grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, social media and my community. I also had a mentor that showed me how to make the products that I always inquired about. She also gave me great tips on running a business.
In essence, everyone played a huge part in encouraging me and supporting me from posting on social media, to interviewing me, to sharing opportunities, to inviting me places...
6) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
Start with your village (people who support you), have a plan, be willing to make some sacrifices and have fun!!! There are so many resources and social media groups that support young entrepreneurs. Anything’s possible!
7) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
Kebloom is now a part of my village, allowing me to spread the word of my business to people my age everywhere, proving that we are not too young to turn what we love into a business and to inspire others.
8) What has been the best part about starting up a business?
The best parts have been the opportunity to mentor, to give back to my community and to meet so many amazing people doing something that I enjoy.
9) What skills did you bring to Lani Boo Bath and feel you have developed?
I founded my business when I was 9. I will be 12 soon. I feel I brought an excitement about creating and experiencing new opportunities for myself. As I’ve gotten a little older, I have matured socially also due to the number of people I’ve spoken to. I am now more aware of what it takes to keep a business going. I know it’s okay to take breaks and enjoy everyday kid stuff. I’m also more aware that my business is bigger than me and bigger than the products I sell.
10) What recent achievement are you proud of?
I recently donated proceeds of my sales to my favorite camp, Kairos Freedom Schools of Virginia Inc., which supports literacy and leadership. I always look forward to giving back as it makes me feel really proud of what my business is accomplishing.
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.
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