Who Said 20 Is Too Young To Own A Business?
For most people, juggling is difficult. For 20-year-old Ashley Carpenter, she juggles raising her daughter and running her own thrift store.
Those who stop by Beautiful Bowtique will find a shopkeeper that looks fresh out of high school holding a baby while haggling with them.
“I’ve always been an entrepeneur. Ever since I was little, I was always fund raising, there was a way of making money either through a Kool-Aid stand or washing cars or something,” said Carpenter.That entrepreneur in Carpenter has caused her to open and run her own thrift and consignment store. After only opening Nov. 12, the store already has 30 consigners.
Carpenter wanted to own her own business in order to spend time with her daughter Mary.
“I did this for her, it’s nice to be with her. I didn’t want to put her in daycare,” said Carpenter.
With her husband several time zones away, Carpenter is essentially a single mom. This has made the process of opening up a business difficult, to say the least. She put the entire operation together by herself in four weeks.“It’s very busy, but it’s worth it. I get overwhelmed but her smile makes it all better,” said Carpenter looking lovingly at her daugher in her arms. “I don’t have any time for myself. I don’t have any time off. But I think it will pay off later on.”
Photo by Orin Optiglot.
danakeith on December 2nd, 2008 9:34 pm
i agree with Ashley, because i have a cousin who is also a single mom.. she will do everything in order for her and her son to survive..
cassy on December 3rd, 2008 4:29 am
Yeah who said its too young to get into business if your still 20 years old? for me age is not a question, it is how you want to be your life in the future, its better if your start a business at young age, plus your passion and hardwork to it, if you do all o f that! you will become successful young entrepreneur in your time. i hope i am one of it.
SEO Software on December 3rd, 2008 9:26 am
Age is not nearly as important as business acumen. Many new startups are being headed by younger individuals…look at facebook and mark z!
Congrats to Ashley for her determination.
Jaclyn on December 3rd, 2008 1:25 pm
I give a HUGE round of applause to Ashley!!! That is just awesome that she has taken the necessary steps and dedication to open up her own shop while practically being a single mother at the same time! I agree that spending time with your children is the most important function in your life once they arrive! and their smiles sure do make up for any stress or pressure we go through along the way.
Matt @ Permanent Fitness on December 3rd, 2008 3:38 pm
It’s funny when people make it sound so easy… especially if for them it actually is so easy..
Antti @ halpalennot on December 4th, 2008 7:52 am
Well it sounds easy after reporter puts it on newspaper.
Still, most of us can temporarily handle more stress than we would believe if we really have to.
Matt Helphrey on December 4th, 2008 9:41 pm
Nice article. Kudos to Ashley! 20 is a great time to start a business. Of course Im 30 and people are telling me Im too young to start my own business…now I feel old.
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