Interview with Lena Ford
Positively Lena
Lena Ford - Founder at 7 years old
Georgia, USA
Lena Ford, 10-year-old CEO of Positively Lena, is shining a spotlight on what it means to be a positive, entrepreneurial young person. Wanting to do her bit towards making the world a happier place, Lena started up her line of fashion accessories with positive messages. By promoting self-love through her products, she hopes people will be influenced to turn bad days into good ones and to spread love with those around them. These days, with her current products selling and plans to extend her product line, Lena is well and truly out to make a difference.
Touched by her kindness and entrepreneurial spirit, Kebloom asked Lena to give us some insight into her brand and future plans:
1) How would you best describe your brand?
There are so many negative things that go on in the world. I decided I wanted to make a difference and do something that helped people remember to be positive, even when times get tough. So, to do this, I began creating fashion accessories with positive messages. Key chains are my first line of fashion accessories.
“Find something that you have a passion for and create a business around that passion.”
2) How old were you when you founded Positively Lena?
Positively Lena began when I was 9 years old. At 7 I began a project called “ARTing for You.” It involved collecting art supplies and donating them to children in foster homes and shelters. I still use a portion of my sales from Positively Lena to buy and donate. Art is very important to me and I believe it’s important for all children to access these materials.
3) What passions inspire your business ideas?
My love for art, fashion and being positive inspired my business. I have always enjoyed helping others and being kind.
4) What problem were you solving in the creation of Positively Lena?
The problem that I was solving was negativity by creating a product that promotes positivity and self-love.
“HAVE FUN! Being a business owner is serious business but it can also be so much fun!”
5) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
My mother has helped me in creating/building my business. She has helped me with everything from designing products and inventory to handling sales for my business. She is the COO of my business and I am the CEO. I also have a wonderful support system of family and friends.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to find something that you have a passion for and create a business around that passion. I would also say to HAVE FUN! Being a business owner is serious business but it can also be so much fun!
7) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
Kebloom is amazing! It’s extremely important and helpful to have a community that is supportive of young people starting up in business. Children also have a lot of ideas and having a place to share and build upon those ideas is essential.
8) What has been the best part about creating your business?
The best part about running my business is the knowledge that my products are out in the world and are making a positive impact. I hope that every time a customer looks at their key chain they remember to have a positive thought and to spread that message to individuals they are around that day.
9) What skills did you bring to your brand and feel you have developed over time?
I have been able to continue being positive and learn skills that keep me in a positive mindset. I have been learning a lot about self-care. Being a business owner I have to juggle a lot of things like school, business, family and friends. Because of this, I have had to learn how to manage my time wisely but also make time to be a kid.
…and anything else you’d like to add!
In January 2020, I am launching my line of fashion accessories to include t-shirts, socks, bracelets and other fun items
Please follow my journey:
Website: www.PositivelyLena.com
Instagram and Facebook: Positively Lena LLC
Twitter: PositivelyLena_
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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