Turning Play into Pay || THE PINK TULIPS & MY RESIN CO
Photos by John Burns
Raegan Gideon, 14, makes epoxy key chains and coasters featuring gold flakes, sprinkles, glitter and real flowers that she sells through Instagram and Etsy. She also has inventory available for sale at Sugar Creek Country Store and Florence Adams in St. Marys.
“The owners email me if they need more items and I take special orders for customers who want certain colors or letters,” she said. “It’s really gratifying to have people buy my work and say how much they loved it or how much someone they bought it for did.”
Raegan seeks inspiration from Pinterest, Etsy and Amazon and is expanding her offerings to include decorative trays.
The high school freshman created her company, My Resin Co., in late 2020 to occupy her time productively during the pandemic and save money for college. Her first splurge with her earnings was a $30 shirt.
“The first few weeks went smoothly, but then there were challenges like the resin not setting well,” she said. “I have my process down now.”
Active in volleyball, basketball, track, cheer, drill team and competitive softball, Raegan said juggling activities with her enterprise was also a challenge initially.
“I make a lot of lists to keep me organized,” she said.
Raegan Gideon shares examples of her epoxy key chains that she began making in 2020 and now sells on Instagram and Etsy.
Inspired by her older sister, Hayden, 11, is working on developing her own company too, The Pink Tulips. She plans to sell beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
“I really enjoy creating patterns with small glass and clay beads,” she said. “It’s art but it’s also work.”
Hayden, who plays volleyball and basketball, said she is eager to emulate Regan’s success when she begins selling items this fall.
For other youth considering starting a business, Raegan said, “Never give up, even though it’s tempting to quit. Running a business and creating inventory can be a lot to tackle with school and sports but keep at it. It’s worth it.”
TK
