Interview: Naomi Porter, Entrepreneur

This interview is with Naomi Porter, a sixteen year old entrepreneur, public speaker, and activist. She is the CEO and founder of two businesses, “Spice it Up” and “Bright Futures.” Also, she is a national intern for Girl Scouts of the USA, as well as a 2020 Girl Scout Gold Award for providing free entrepreneurial education courses during the pandemic. You can follow her on Instagram @naomiporterpv or her other projects @spice__it__up @gsentrepreneurs and @bright_futures_tutoring.

What was it like being so young and starting your first business?

Entrepreneurs are people who create new businesses, products, services or find ways to improve what currently exists. Entrepreneurs have courage to try something different and solve problems in new ways. They look in their community for ways to make positive and lasting changes. I always knew I wanted to make a change in my community and it wasn’t until I discovered entrepreneurship that I found my calling.

Describe your business “Spice It Up” and why you launched it

I began my entrepreneurial journey when I was 11 years old. As a young entrepreneur, I noticed there was a need for an eco friendly and portable spice kit. So, I created a product that could fill this need. Spice It Up, is a company that sells travel spice kits that are portable and affordable. The kit is reusable, waterproof and lightweight- perfect for all scouting adventures.

Describe what “Bright Futures Tutoring and Academic Coaching” does and what inspired you to start it

At age 13, I launched my second business: Bright Futures Tutoring & Academic Coaching. I noticed that many sixth graders were struggling with the increased homework and study skills demands of middle school, and I realized I could help. I created a business to support families and students by equipping them with study skills, organizational strategies and academic assistance. As my business rapidly expanded, I realized I needed help. I now hire and manage a team of employees who have serve over 15 students.

Describe what “EntrepreYOUership” is

I am passionate about entrepreneurship and equipping my generation with the skills they need to be successful. As previously mentioned, my Girl Scout Gold Award partnered with five organizations to provide free entrepreneurial education. With extensive mentorship, a hands-on curriculum, and real-life experiences, each student launched their own business and had an opportunity to receive start-up funding. 

What inspires you most to be an entrepreneur?

I am constantly inspired by the people around me. They inspire me to keep going. Likewise, the lack of females in business has always inspired me to push myself to keep going and bridge that gap.

What advice would you give a younger person wanting to go into the field?

My advice for anyone looking to start a business or get an internship would be to find your PASSION. And do it for YOU. Not your parents, not a college, nor anyone else. But do it for YOU and your future. Because the organization will see that passion. They will feel your fire. And it will be beneficial to everyone. 

If my story has taught you anything is that if you can dream it- you can DO IT. As women we are taught to doubt ourselves and compare ourselves to others. But in reality- we are FAR more similar to one another than we are different. We all strive to make our world a better place. And It starts with uplifting each other. It starts with showing up. Thus, it starts with becoming an entrepreneur.

Describe your daily schedule of managing several businesses

Believe it or not- most of my businesses run themselves. So a normal day for me would be to attend virtual school, do a couple of tutoring sessions, attend a call for my internship, and interview for podcasts or work on my professional life. At this point in my businesses, I have systems in place because I’ve been doing it for 5 years. The longer you do something, the more habits you make, and the less time is wasted.

What is something people usually don’t realize about entrepreneurship?

Sometimes people don’t realize that it’s okay to fail and entrepreneurs do it all the time. One year into my business venture, things just weren’t going as expected.  Initially, I had great sales at trade fairs, holiday boutiques and online.  But my sales stagnated. I had sold my product to all of my friends, neighbors and community members.  I had success with online sales at the start of summer travel season.  And then my sales fell flat.  And just so you know:  this is typical. It happens to all entrepreneurs.   

I wasn’t ready to give up my business and I remembered the saying:  “When things aren’t going right, GO LEFT.”   This phrase carries with it both playfulness and wisdom.  For me, I realized I needed to adjust my sales and marketing approach.  So, I sent emails to over 50 travel gear product review bloggers asking them to review my product.  If I could get a published review, then maybe it could generate more sales?   

I promised a free sample shipped to their door in exchange for a review.  Of the 50 requests, I had 49 reviewers who either said “no” or did not respond. And then I found one blogger who was happy to help.  Gearhose is an online camping blog that reviews products for adventure-oriented travelers.  The review was published last summer and that single review gave me a huge boost in online sales.  The reviewer embedded a link to my online store, making it easy for readers to click and purchase a spice kit.    

What I learned from this is that you have to always look for different ways to advertise your product. This was where my tolerance for hearing “no” was just what I needed to keep persevering.  I went through over 40 “no’s” until I found a yes. You have to ask for what you need and persevere.  You have to look for people who will help you along the way and you have to be bold in asking for support.

Huge thank you to Naomi for her amazing interview! If you would like to be interviewed for my blog, send me a message on Instagram @elizarkent.