Meet Teen Entrepreneur Isabella Weems, Fashion Jewelry Designer

Posted by ricky26 on February 12th, 2014

Isabella “Bella” Weems began her jewelry company at a young age. When she asked her parents for a used car for her 16th birthday, they suggested that she earn the money for a car rather than getting the funds from them. Rather than sending her out to look for a part-time job, they suggested a rather novel idea to Weems: She should start her own business. From that parental suggestion comes a multi-million dollar business worth north of $200,000. In 2012, Origami Owls, Weems’ company earned $24 million in revenues. Clearly, she hit on something big!

Origami Owls’ Early Beginnings

Weems was 14 and already thinking ahead to her 16th birthday. She told her parents that she would like a used car for that birthday. Instead of agreeing to buy a car for her, Warren and Christy, Weems’ parents, said she should earn the money for the car, and then they suggested she start a business. This may have quelled any other teenager, but Weems began researching online to see what kind of business she could start.

Going back to her parents, she told them she had an idea for a business, and then asked if they would match her babysitting money. She had $350 saved. Using the $700, she bought jewelry components and findings with which to make the lockets she had dreamed up.

Lockets and Lockets with Charms

Weems was already familiar with silver charms bracelets and lockets, so she decided to try to combine the two, adding charms to lockets. After making several lockets, she needed to start selling her inventory. Her friends became her first buyers. Some of the girls wore the jewelry as free advertising, which generated more sales.

Weems and her friends began holding house parties, similar to Avon’s Mark parties and the Tupperware house parties. Here, she would demonstrate what she had come up with, take orders, and sell her inventory. She and her parents rented a kiosk at the mall in Chandler, Arizona, just in time for Black Friday.

Its Business Concept

Beginning in 2011, Origami Owls began working under the direct sales platform. The company works with independent associates, called “designers,” who order Origami Owl products and sell them to family and friends at a higher price. The house parties are called “jewelry bars,” which are usually held in a hostess’ home. The hostess invites family and friends to the party. Sound familiar? It should. It’s just like the Pampered Chef or Avon’s Mark house parties.

In the first year of direct selling, Origami Owl made about $280,000. Even with the free products and discounts that hostesses receive for holding parties, the company earned over a quarter of a million dollars. It’s no surprise, because as of October 2013, the company had nearly 51,000 designers.

Family Involvement

Weems isn’t the only person working in her handmade gemstone jewelry business. It has become a true family affair, with her mother Chrissy, Uncles Jeff Reinhart and John Weems, as well as Aunt Jessica Reinhart, helping out in the office. Until Weems graduates from college, her family and several talented business executives are working with Weems. During summer months, Weems interns at her own company, working in each department. To find Information about Majestical kinds of jewelry, visit Majestical.