Interview with Morgan Pelser
Morgan’s Candy Floss
Morgan Pelser - Founder at 11 years old
Mangaung, South Africa
Morgan Pelser was merely 11 when she decided to turn the opportunity of receiving the gift of a candyfloss machine into a profitable enterprise! She, like her family, is entrepreneurial minded, taking onboard their lessons and expertise to create something of her own and winning an entrepreneurial competition in the process! Morgan’s Candy Floss is a business set for success, growing on word of mouth and positive reviews. Now aged 16, we look forward to seeing where the dreams of this bright, young individual take her!
Impressed by her flourishing business, Kebloom got in touch with Morgan to discuss her business and goals in going forward.
1) How would you best describe Morgan’s Candy Floss?
Morgan's Candy Floss is a small business. Our candyfloss is sold in transparent tubs instead of flimsy plastic bags. We do this because most of our clients are in retail and in this way the candyfloss stays fresh for longer and is 100% free of contamination. The containers are also reusable and much more environmentally friendly.
“Planning is the most important part and I would advise planning out every aspect of your business before all else.”
2) How old were you when you founded your business?
I was 11 years old when friends of my mom sold me their old candyfloss machine. They taught me how to make the candyfloss and helped me get my first client - a Spar.
3) What inspired your business idea?
My family are entrepreneurs, and I have always wanted to own my very own business and be the boss. I also wanted to make my own money.
4) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
My family was very supportive, but initially left me on my own to experiment with it. They still help me with deliveries (I can't drive yet). But I always had to get the customers on my own. I would walk in and ask for the manager and then pitch my product.
“Being fearless, ambitious and driven is what makes a great entrepreneur.”
5) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
My advice to any aspiring social entrepreneur is you need the have a plan. Planning is the most important part and I would advise planning out every aspect of your business before all else.
6) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
My sales depend largely on word-of-mouth. A platform like Kebloom gives me the chance to get the word of my business out there.
7) What has been the best part about starting up a business?
Being an entrepreneur is empowering, total freedom. You make your own choices (and suffer the consequences) but the best thing about being an entrepreneur is that there is no limit to what you can achieve. There is no corporate ladder that ends at CEO or Vice President. Your business success is 100% dependant on YOU. If you have a vision for the future of your business, you are fully capable of doing what needs to be done to achieve that.
8) What skills have you developed since being an entrepreneur?
I have learned to sell my product to complete strangers (scary), and have also learned that if they reject it, they are not rejecting me personally; they are just rejecting my product. I have learned how to manage people and operations. I have learnt how to hire (and fire) people and how to be a good leader. I have also learnt how to communicate clearly and effectively with people of any age.
9) Is there anything else you would like to add?
Small businesses are what fuel the economy. There aren’t enough entrepreneurs. I can understand why. When you are an adult and you have a family and responsibilities the risk of starting a business can seem too great. But that is why it is so important for people to support young entrepreneurs. They have time to perfect their ideas, to fail without much consequence. That's why kids seem so fearless - they have a safety net and ultimately, being fearless, ambitious and driven is what makes a great entrepreneur.
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.