Starting a business in high school was super hard, but super worth it. Let me tell you why:
In grade 11, I had the idea to start a handmade jewellery business. Growing a passion for spirituality at the time, I wanted to teach others how to further their own well-being using metaphysical materials, like semi-precious stones and protection amulets. That summer, I committed to the business idea and began making jewellery.
First semester of senior year, I took an Entrepreneurship class. My teacher at the time shared the provincial contest with the class, encouraging us to enter. I continued pondering the idea, until I made the decision the following semester that I wanted to enter my business in the contest. I devoted my off blocks to Crystal Core Jewellery and worked intensely on my business plan. I finally entered my business plan in the Nova Scotia provincial contest, the Minister’s Entrepreneurship Award of Excellence. Then, I received an email saying that I was one of the eight finalists! The next part of the contest was to pitch my business plan at Saint Mary’s University’s business auditorium in front of a panel of four judges. From 20 minutes to a 5 minute sales pitch, I rehearsed my pitch every off block in the school cafeteria, so excited to have been granted this opportunity. The day had finally come. I won the social enterprise category and was awarded $1000! Over the moon, all of this hard work finally payed off.
I won’t sugar coat it and say that it was perfect - It was difficult, as I did sacrifice my social life, at times. At school, my business occupied the back of my mind often. It was hard for me to shut it off, as you can get caught up in the reins, being so driven. But with time, this balance gets easier!
Graduating a month later, I planned on taking a gap year to fully pursue Crystal Core. Before making this decision, I was torn between a business degree with SMU and a Fine Arts degree with NSCAD for the 2023–2024 academic year. Instead, I took my given skillset and leaped into “the real world," learning day-to-day, creating connections and foundations for Crystal Core.
Starting the gap year, I felt uncertainty in the path I chose and wondered what life would have been like if I followed something a little more traditional… but I’m not and never will be that way - My path is different, and that’s okay! The doubt showed me that things were changing. This step out of my comfort zone taught me SO much, as you can only grow by doing so! During my gap year, I met so many amazing people, had awesome experiences, created fulfilling art and found true joy for what I do!
Beginning Fall 2024, I'm enrolled in a Fine Art Undergraduate Degree at NSCAD! I will continue Crystal Core throughout my schooling and will most likely implement new learnings in my work!
Crystal Core Jewellery demonstrated to me how personal and professional growth go hand in hand when owning a business, and I’m sure every other entrepreneur could tell you that too. So to evolve with my business, absolutely warms my heart! Plus, to make so many beautiful connections with other entrepreneurs and wonderful customers, my heart fills with even more love and gratitude.
Thank you again for your unconditional love and support! You guys have no idea how much I love you and every single person who has been involved in Crystal Core’s journey! To many more beautiful connections, opportunities and creations :)
Charlotte
HOW TO ENTER THE ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETITION
If you or anyone you know from Nova Scotia is in grade 6-12 at a Public School and wants to start a business, go for it and enter that contest! What is there to lose? :)
https://novascotia.ca/entrepreneuraward/
They also filmed an updated video for the Nova Scotia Government website during the event, so please check it out!
