Tips for the aspiring kiddo-preneur

PREP WORK Kiddo-preneur Ava Oreta conducting a product shoot for her business Science in a Jar Caterpillar Kits.—Contributed photos

A unique concept can turn into a profitable and fun business for kids, but how to start? Sisters Brielle and Ava Oreta have created a successful “Science in a Jar” business which they now share with their younger siblings, Mariella and Mario.

Their product consists of a jar with a caterpillar that transforms into a butterfly, plus leaves and twigs with an instruction kit. The idea is to nurture the caterpillar and let it go after metamorphosis. They have been joining the Kiddo-preneur event since 2011 and have some tips for kids who want to set up their own booths at the upcoming bazaars.

(SIDEBAR) Watching metamorphosis through Science in a Jar

• Start small. Brielle says she was initially shy when she started at 6 years old and did small tasks such as painting and drawing the signs. “I also prepared our products—each jar, each caterpillar, each care sheet,” she says.
• Get creative. It’s okay to start creating ads on paper, which Brielle did before moving on to digital creation. Currently studying in New York, she participated in the recent Kiddo-preneur bazaar by attending online meetings with sponsors and partners.
• Find a problem to solve. “The Science in a Jar caterpillar kits show the life cycle of a butterfly, and it was unique because there was nothing else like it in the market when we started,” Brielle says.

Bulk order caterpillar kit

• Strategize. “The look and feel of your brand must be enticing. Ours is a natural product–caterpillar—so we wanted an eco-friendly, recyclable and cost-effective packaging,” Brielle says. “In terms of pricing, we needed to cover all costs with a nice upside, but not too high to deter sales. The kits must be affordable and the business sustainable and scalable.” They also have bulk pricing for party packages.
• Pick a key location. Choose a highly visible spot near the entrance so customers will see your booth first.

LOVEABLE REPTILES Brielle Oreta sold turtles in past Kiddo-preneur bazaar. This photo was taken on Nov. 25, 2018.

• Diversify. Aside from caterpillars, Brielle has also sold turtles and even food items like adobo flakes with rice. Her experience as a kiddo-preneur helped with her college application in the US.
• Manage earnings. Aside from spending, Ava says the profit can be saved in a bank, reinvested in another business or donated.
• Do it with your family. “With the combined efforts of my siblings, our caterpillar business is sold out all the time. I love it when we get sold out because it affirms everything we are doing, and it feels great to make money,” Ava says. Irene C. Perez —CONTRIBUTED