Making jewelry...

[Riven]

So... my daughter is 9 and she got together a great little plan to be a pet sitter... but we had to turn it down as we already have enough animals in the house each with their own quirks, not to mention liabilities, etc.

I am trying to counter offer her business venture with a different one, because I want to support her whole theory of doing something she wants to do, making a plan, etc.

I was thinking about making jewelry, not totally cheap, but not high end, just a middle ground. I could help her make a freewebs and supervise the "operation".

Am I out of my mind? Should I just say no and let her get over it? If she did decide to do it would it be a flop? I would of course do QA to make sure the items were good to go.

Just wanting some ideas. I don't want to be a dream killer... :cry3:

( yea, yea, I'm a big softie, don't tell anyone! )

 

[brekai722]

At least she wants to earn her own money. I'd give her a chance. I also have a 9 yr old and I'm like you a big softie where she is concerned.

 

[Riven]

They have their weekly chores that they get to do to earn money as well, it's basic stuff like homework, keep their rooms clean, read,take care of their pets, and then two other chores each day like clean their bathroom, sweep and mop the kitchen or living room, unload the dishwasher, stuff like that.

I told her that if she wanted to open a chin cage cleaning business I totally know of someone who would hire her!

 

[AZChins]

She could string little seed beads and use sterling silver clasps or something not too expensive but still nice. It could be a lot of fun for her to create something and then try to sell her creations. You never know what that could lead to in the future. It doesn't matter if it's a flop, it's more about her getting to create and try something new. I'd take her to Michaels and look at beads and things. That could give her a chance to look at different colors and textures to see what she thinks what would look good. I think it's a good idea...but don't spend too much money just in case.

 

[alli713]

I think the only downside to opening her own freewebs, is going to be getting traffic to the site.

Another option would be Etsy.com as they do allow children to have shops so long as the parent runs the business side of it. The downside to that is the 20 cent listing fee, and the percentage they take off when it sells.

But there's more traffic there. Although jewelry is a really saturated area, as many people do it.

 

[AZChins]

It is a saturated market...but hey, in 20 years she'll run across a necklace or a pair of earrings and tell her daughter about the business her grandma helped her start. That'll be a good memory...just as long as there wasn't anything too traumatic about her business.

 

[Riven]

Well... we also make soap... lol How about jewelry IN soap!

I actually have some chin shaped soap I should post up...

 

[Jazicat]

There's actually a great online store called Fire Mountain Gems http://www.firemountaingems.com/ . I buy most of the beads I need here because they are so much cheaper than most places. I think this is a wonderful idea if she's excited about it and there are lots of lessons to be learn in a venture like this. It really could lead to some awesome ideas and creativity.

 

[Riven]

She can be very motivated when she wants to be, some of you older members from CnQ might remember when she made and sold chin toys ( I donated the parts) to earn enough money to buy a trampoline. Still has it, still loves it. She's really big into spending her own money, and buying her own things.

 

[Essentia]

I have also used Fire Mountain Gems and have been happy with the service and prices.

I think it's a good idea. If all else fails and she doesn't the online thing going, she can always sell to friends, neighbors, family members, etc. You could always post some of the jewelry here as well and possibly get some business.

Edit: FYI, I am a huge fan of glass beads.

 

[brekai722]

I want some chinnie soap!!!