My name is Mariela and I’m fourteen years old. I’m the owner of a clothing business called Wildflower. Throughout my childhood, I have launched a variety of businesses, but Wildflower, I hope to be a long term business. When I was seven, I owned a homemade bubblegum business called Pica Chica. I didn’t really know what the name meant, but I liked it. The business didn’t last long because I didn’t sell a single thing. At eleven, started a jewelry business called MAC Jewelry. I sold my products to friends and family; I even designed a website. However, after a while that business died down as well. At twelve, I started selling my crochet animals and purses. I have been crocheting since I was ten so I decided to turn that hobby into a business called Crafty Crochet. I even set up an Instagram page and an Etsy shop as well. That was one of the most enjoyable businesses I have created! I received many orders and support from my family, friends, and social media. Because crocheting is time consuming, I became very stressed out. A year later I participated in a children' s business fair to sell the last of my inventory, and thus, closed Crafty Crochet. Even though I was disappointed about the idea of closing, yet another business, I made almost $400 dollars! My newest endeavor is selling sweatshirts. Although I haven't sold a hoodie yet, I believe that this business will be successful!

The most exciting aspect of Wildflower is creating positive statements. Last summer, my mom and I were lounging on the deck brainstorming witty and meaningful affirmations. During that time, I decided to get a notebook and write down all of these messages so I could capture them on my hoodies. Statements seemed to just come to me. During dinner, my sassy little sister was telling a story, as she normally does, and added, “My mouth is an involuntary muscle.” I knew this was the perfect saying! I wanted my hoodies to be unique and to have something meaningful on them. This process illustrates the epitome of Wildflower. I wanted to capture someone who was sassy and witty. Being a teenager is not for the weak. I have so many insecurities that I tend to compare myself to others. I wanted other people to be able to feel confident in who they are when they wear Wildflower products. When I wear my hoodies, I feel cute and confident; that’s exactly what I want for other people.

I have many long-term and short-term goals for Wildflower. First, I plan to add hoodie and sweatpants sets to my clothing line. Eventually, I will launch sweat shorts and pajamas as well. My hope is to impact many teens and young adults with Wildflower’s positive messages. In a few years I plan to get a Limited Liability Company for Wildflower, consequently, I will have more access to marketing and a bigger clientele. My biggest goal is to open a shop in an indoor/outdoor mall. I’m aware that my goals will change as I develop Wildflower, but these are my current endeavors.

I started Wildflower to help teens and young adults to express their identity and remind them of their worth. Even though I haven’t sold a hoodie yet, I have been making custom t-shirts for my family. I hope this business will be my teenage career. I have learned many things from my past businesses.Because I have some experience with starting and closing businesses, have learned many do’s and dont’s of entrepreneurship. Therefore, I will use my knowledge to improve Wildflower. I have so many hopes for Wildflower and am excited to see where this goes! Even if this business doesn’t work out for me, I've already enjoyed the process.