I want to start my own business but I'm scared that people will not take me seriously....?

Question

I want to start my own clothing boutique or furniture store, and maybe later offer styling/interior decorating services. I am really artistic, hard working, and I believe I can do this but I am a little bit intimidated/scared that people will not take me seriously because I am only 21 (almost 22) years old. Can anyone offer me some advice?

Answer 1

First off, it's perfectly normal to be nervous when starting your own business. People of all ages are nervous when starting their own business; it's a scary and exciting time.

Age means nothing. I was running a division of Marriott by the time I was 21. And look at the founders of Google, they started Google when they were in college. They're now in their early 30's and are the 12th & 13th richest men in the world.

What does mean something is drive, ability, passion, and desire. As well as a sound business sense. If you don't have a solid business sense you should either A: get more experience learning how a business operates (classes, jobs, etc) before starting your own, B: hire a consultant to assist, C: bring on a partner to handle to management side of the business and let you concentrate on the artistic side. Entrepreneurs are successful because they have the drive to make their business work, but without sound management skills, the business won't last long.

I remember when I was around your age (not like I'm that much older now mind you) I had a conversation with my boss about people in the office not respecting me because I was the youngest department head in the company. His advice? "Don't pay attention to them. Do your job and do it well. That's all that matters."

Best advice ever.

Answer 2

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown


There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

There have been teenagers successful at business because they had a legit product that people wanted.
You should be concerned about your product being "a desirable".
Age is irrelevant ,
Product and promotion are everything.

Oh, I forgot , And the ability to understand & manage a budget.
You dooooo need that high school math after all !

Answer 4

My husband and I started our own business--and everyone just wanted to tell us why it would not work--so you will hear alot of that. I personally do not care how old someone is that has created and idea/product that I like--so if you are good no better time than when you are young!! Like in the movie Pursuit of Happiness--Will Smith tells his son "If there is something someone else can not do; they will tell you that you can not do it, Don't listen"

Answer 5

It doesn't matter of your age. Just get started. If you want to open a clothing boutique, then start looking for shops.

Answer 6

Do an apprenticeship with an established, upscale business. Establish your buisness knowledge.

Answer 7

one of the qualities of a successful businessman is the willingness to take risks, if you're not willing to take a chance forget about it..

Answer 8

Go for it. Follow your dreams.