It’s no surprise to Evana Ori that her 12-year-old daughter Zoe is a successful business owner.
The Atlanta-based middle school student is co-founder and CEO of Beautiful Curly Me, a doll company she started at age 7 after being teased about her hair at school. (CEO). Beautiful Curly Me boasts brown dolls with natural hairstyles, children’s books, and hair care products.
At first, Ori wasn’t sure how serious his young daughter was about starting her own business. But after several months and much prodding from Zoe, Ori took $5,000 out of his savings, designed a prototype doll, secured an affordable manufacturer, and launched his brand. .
In 2022, Beautiful Curly Me brought in low six-figure revenue, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Oli declined to share 2023 earnings.
Zoe is an honors student and co-founder of Youth Mean Business, a startup accelerator that provides grants, mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional workshops to young entrepreneurs ages 11 to 17.
“She’s very passionate,” Oli told CNBC Make It. “She’s always thinking about the next thing and I love that energy.”
Mr. Oli gave up his 17-year career as a marketing executive to help run his daughter’s Beautiful Curly Me and Youth Mean business, and while managing the company’s operations, he managed his own marketing and product management. He also runs a consulting company.
She credits the pair’s uncompromising parenting for her daughter’s success thus far.
“It’s important for kids to be kids.”
First, she says, Oli wants Zoe to experience a normal childhood.
“There are so many things that need her attention at any given time,” she says. “[But]it’s important that the child is still a child. I think it’s really important to intentionally make sure that she still enjoys being a 12-year-old girl.”
This includes a typical school schedule, extracurricular activities such as tennis, track and field, and theater, and regular sleepovers with friends. During her free time after school and during the summer, Zoe is able to juggle business responsibilities such as attending meetings, creating social media strategies, and product development.
“She has lived a really full and fulfilling life,” Ori said. “You just have to find a balance and make sure (your child) is grounded in who they are.”
For parents of children with many responsibilities, it can be difficult not to be pushy. However, a 2016 Arizona State University study of sixth graders found that putting too much pressure on children to be the best can lead to anxiety and self-esteem issues, which can lead to “lower outcomes later in life.” They found that they were less likely to adapt and succeed.
Give encouragement when needed, but try to give children independence and allow them to explore their interests in their own way, says a senior child and adolescent educational psychologist. Merelny Mehew told Make It in 2022.
“I always give kind feedback. If you want to be encouraged and motivated, notice the good things in your children and try not to criticize them too much,” Mehew said, adding that children should added, “You perform better when you are relaxed, happy, and satisfied.” ”
Don’t try to live through your child
It may be natural to want your children to follow your path or follow your advice in life, but if you truly want your children to be happy and successful, you need to make sure they follow your own path. You have to allow yourself to follow your passion, says Oli.
Oli says she is passionate about helping people achieve their business goals through smart branding and marketing strategies, and being active in the community through service opportunities targeted at women and young girls. .
As for all of Zoe’s titles and accomplishments, Oli says, “This is not a situation where I’m trying to realize my dreams[through children].” “We are thrilled to be able to support her on this journey.”
This outlook is important for raising resilient and successful children. In the words of Debra Lee, former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET): Lee spent his life living up to his father’s dreams by getting excellent grades, attending an Ivy League university, and becoming a successful corporate lawyer. As a result, she lived a life and career filled with unfulfillment and self-doubt until she took a chance at a television network in its infancy.
Best-selling author and parenting expert Esther Wojcicki recommends that you can help your child be more successful by setting expectations without setting strict limits and trusting them to make their own decisions. I’m doing it.
“When you trust children to make their own decisions, they begin to feel more engaged, confident, and empowered,” she wrote in Make It in 2022. Ta. “And once that happens, there are no limits to what children can achieve.”
Oli agreed, saying, “My job as[Zoe’s]support system is just to help her achieve[her dreams]without burning out or pushing herself too hard. ” he said.
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