Meet Ava Alexanian | 13 Year Old Entrepreneur and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ava Alexanian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ava, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was 11 years old and found out my mom made hair bows when I was little and sold the extra ones I didn’t need on etsy. I decided I was going to take the name Ava’s Bowtique and start making leather earrings. I thought that if I sold a pair of earrings for $12 that I made $12 and that obviously isn’t the case. My dad turned it into a homeschool project where he made me figure out the cost it takes to make everything and how much I would need to buy more supplies and eventually how much I could profit. I started on Instagram and once we moved to Twentynine Palms my little business took off. Andrew and Chelsea at Hi Desert Daydream helped push me out of my comfort zone and really start taking it serious. We moved to Oceanside one year ago and expanded our business. I love the idea that this little shop really started with me as a baby and now at 13 it’s a whole family business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I found a love for creating and sharing things and I am so glad I can do it through my shop. When I started Ava’s Bowtique with a pair of earrings I never would have thought it would be what it is today. Being a young teenager with a business sometimes people don’t take me seriously. I am glad we have ran into some great people who helped push me and encourage me to do more and do it better.

I love that we are a family business. We are a military family and have lived all over and I think those experiences really have helped us create something unique.

I want other girls to know that you can do this too. Surround yourself with the right people, keep your eyes focused on what you want to accomplish and pray God opens doors for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had friends visit Southern California we would have a full jam packed week. We would go surfing, see the sea lions in La Jolla, the zoo would be a must. I love all the fun places to eat and shop in Carlsbad. We would of course take a trip to the desert and see the park. Southern California has so much to offer. I am so thankful for the chance to live here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is zero way I could have done this without my family. My Papa helped me get into lasering. My mom and dad help to run the business and have always been so supportive. My 96 year old grandpa even helps put products together. If you get a pair of earrings from us, they were more than likely put together by him. My sisters, Ella (9) and Mattie (4), help with packaging. Mattie is the official package hugger, every package that goes out of the shop gets a lot of love from her.

I really started growing my business up in the desert. Andrew and Chelsea of Hi Desert. Day Dream gave me some amazing opportunities and let me have my very first retail experience. They continue to teach me so much and I am so thankful. Danielle from Donahlue also took me under her wing and has so much knowledge. I could literally learn from her all day.

There is no way I could have brown this business without these people.

Instagram: Shopavasbowtique

Other: Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/shop/AvasBowtiqueCo?ref=shop_sugg