Turning Play into Pay || SLEEPY FOX DESIGN CO.
Photos by John Burns
Rory Bisnett’s mother surprised her with a resin jewelry making kit in January and the 11-year-old soon discovered an affinity for crafting accessories.
After her mother bought her molds and earring studs, the Landon Middle School sixth grader gave necklaces and earrings to teachers and friends, and ultimately decided to open an online store in February.
The same month she placed second in a Junior Achievement pitch contest.
Bisnett named her business Sleepy Fox Design Co. after watching a TikTok video and already understands the importance of branding.
“I’ve always liked foxes and I once went to the Renaissance Festival as a fox with a hat and tail,” she said. “I bought a stuffed fox to sit at the stand when I’m selling somewhere, and I’ll wear my fox hat too.”
A fan of Claire’s, Hot Topic and Icing, Bisnett appreciates the allure of affordably priced custom costume jewelry to complement style and convey personal interests. She bought her first clip-on earrings at Claire’s—resin gummy bears—and later got her ears pierced there too.
Her inventory includes stud and dangling earrings, glitter key chains and colorful shaker necklaces that can be monogrammed with added charms. Bisnett’s early hurdles included bookkeeping, experimenting with resin set times and finding the raw materials she needed at the right places.
Rory Bisnett's resin jewelry inventory includes stud and dangling earrings, glitter key chains and colorful shaker necklaces that can be monogrammed with added charms.
She sells items at Paper June and online, and recently participated in a market for youth entrepreneurs.
Before launching Sleepy Fox Design Co., Bisnett was no stranger to the side hustle. She experimented with a comic book business with friends and shoveled snow for a neighbor.
“I went to several houses to see if the owners would like me to shovel snow but only one person did,” she said. “She paid me double.”
Asked what qualities she believes are advantageous for entrepreneurship, Bisnett said, “I’ve always excelled at math and I’m also good at working with people. I like creating things, so having an art shop is a great fit for me.”
Bisnett saves a portion of her earnings and uses the rest to restock her shop and expand her line.
“It’s exciting to have my own business,” she said. “I still need to work on time management and I’m always concerned about quality, but I’m really happy with how this is going.”
TK
