I started my First Company at 10
Apr 8, 2022
Intro
I started 5th grade in a new school in a new state. I was navigating this new world and trying to make as many friends as I could. During the first few weeks of school, I became known as the "math wiz" for my mental calculation skills. I noticed many of my peers needed help with math homework and I loved doing the homework (yes I was a math nerd!). I knew there was an opportunity here and I got to work building a business.
Classroom Currency
I wanted to create a math tutoring business that charged by homework assignment. Essentially, my peers would pay for the assignments they need help on.
However, I was not going to charge real money. We use gold-star stickers as a reward system (given out for finishing homework, cleaning up, etc.). I convinced my teacher to allow me to use these gold stars as a form of currency. I found a problem, created the opportunity, and knew how to generate revenue.
Launching Math Wizards
Math Wizards - the first 5th grade math tutoring company in SD. Nobody really thought I was going to build out this company in 5th grade, but I did. I created a website using Yola Site (now known as Yola) and launched to my 5th grade class. I showcased my site to the class and explained how the gold stars can be used to get help on math homework. It was revolutionary in my class!
My peers started to get tutoring and I was generating revenue while helping my peers learn. The launch was successful and the company started to gain traction across the school!
Expansion and Customer Growth!
Other 5th grade classrooms heard about Math Wizards and how it was helping students improve in their math skills. My scrappy website and handmade posters was gaining a lot of attention. Students from other classes were asking for my help and if I can get Math Wizards into their classroom.
I loved the idea of expanding my user base. I went to each classroom and asked the teachers if I could expand into their class. I would dedicate an hour a day to help students in their classroom. Every teacher was open to my idea and allowed me to bring Math Wizards to their classroom. Within a few weeks, I went from 20 users in my class to over 50 users! I was running from classroom to classroom helping my peers in different math concepts. I loved every aspect of it! Math Wizards was growing like crazy!
End of the Year Learnings
After a whole year of running Math Wizards, I was able to learn so much about running a business and make amazing friends along the way! I had to think creatively to get teachers to accept my idea and to get my peers to actually use the services. I was able to build a website and pitch it live allowing me to learn about effective communication. This journey at a young age opened my eyes to entrepreneurship and innovation. I loved every aspect of launching a company and gaining users. I enjoyed being able to envision the future of my company and driving my company towards success.