EARNING YOUR OWN MONEY

Think about how much you spend every week on food, entertaining and shopping. No, think about how much your family spends for you every week. Do you have a number in your mind? Now, ask this question to yourself: How much money have I earned in my life so far? Don’t worry if your answer is none. You are not the only one.

Bella has a different story. She was only 11 years old when she thought that she had to find a way to earn money to help her family. And now, after a year, she is a successful businessperson.

Her mother used to work for the government and earn good money. Then she was suddenly unemployed. She tried hard to find a job but she couldn’t. Then entrepreneur Bella created homemade body scrubs. She had always liked making skin care products for herself and her family with natural and organic ingredients. Her body scrubs were famous among her family and friends because she used to make them and give them as gifts to people she knew. She would use sugar, natural oils like coconut oil, scents and natural food dye to make them. When her mother lost her job, Bella started to make and sell them for $7 each to neighbours and online communities. In just two weeks, she sold more than 400 jars.

“Some of the buyers are from the area. Some are from different parts of the country. And some are from all over the world.” she said of her customers. Some people said that they didn’t only buy her products because they were really good, people also wanted to support Bella and her family. One of her customers said that she felt proud of Bella because she was only 11 but already supporting her family in rough days.

After seeing that she could earn enough money for her family Bella decided to help others who were in need. “My family is OK, and now I felt really, really happy and really good,” Bella said. “And now I’m putting my money back into the business and also donating my money to Nourish Now.”

Nourish Now is a nonprofit organisation. They provide donations from grocers, caterers, restaurants, bakeries, and other food donors. With those they help children, families, and the elderly, as well as shelters and other organisations working to end hunger. The organisation also accepts financial contributions. The chief of Nourish Now said “Many young people are more aware of what is happening around them now. They don’t only think about getting the newest phone or designer shoes. They care about others and want to help them. It’s just admirable what Bella is doing. By the help of her efforts many businesses and organisations are willing to lend a hand. It’s great to see that people are willing to do this. It’s a really nice effort that we’ve seen so far.”

And Bella says she is happy that her effort is helping her family and others.