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Young Entrepreneurs Feature
Young Entrepreneur
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Artemis Chivers, 12, is the creative mind by Artibles, a craft business she started when she was in her fi nal year at primary school during lockdown. Sue had a chat with her to fi nd out how she got started and inspire other local young entrepreneurs to set up their own business too. See @ artiblesbyartemis on Instagram.
How did Artibles come about?
My dad got me a clay modelling kit and I found some cute ideas online for what to do with it. My mum and grandma said they thought I could probably make a business by turning my creations into magnets people would like for their fridge.
Why did you want to start a business?
I’d been thinking I’d like to start a business for a while for extra cash because I wanted a pair of Nike Airforce trainers. I’m not old enough for a paper round and my parents were running out of jobs they’d pay me to do. There’s only so many times I could vacuum the inside of the cars! I was also pretty bored during lockdown because I’d fi nish my school work quite early so I had a good few hours left in the school day.
How did you promote Artibles and get your fi rst sales?
I asked family if they would buy two sets: one for themselves and one for a friend. My mum gave me this idea and to market it as ‘postal joy’ for a friend. Artibles always come beautifully boxed in yellow packaging so I think it does make people smile. I started an Instagram account that my mum helped me run and got some orders through there too.
Have you tried any other marketing tactics?
The comedian and author Viv Groskop saw them online and said that she thought I could sell them on Etsy. That was really cool. I haven’t done that yet. My mum posted on her Facebook profi le too and my Uncle Sam said I should follow up with a private message to everyone who liked or commented on the post. We did a bit of that and got some sales that way.
How long did it take you to earn enough to buy your Nike Airforce trainers?
It took about two weeks from fi rst telling people about them. The Airforce were £50 and I was selling sets of magnets for £10. I had to pay my mum back for most of the materials (clay, magnets, packaging) because she wanted me to learn about the difference between turnover and profi t!
What challenges have you had whilst running your business?
Motivation has been a big factor because it’s very repetitive making the same creations and so I did get a bit bored sometimes. In September 2020 I started secondary school and I just didn’t have the time to focus on the business. I had quite a bit of homework and that was my main priority after school (and watching Friends!)
You’re back open for orders this summer. How will you be promoting the business?
This article is a brilliant start! I was really pleased to be asked to do this because I thought it would bring in some new orders from people I don’t know. I’ll also be asking customers to post photos of what their Artibles are holding up on their fridges and whiteboards. I’m hoping I’ll get to see Artibles being used to stick up lots of cute pictures from younger children.
