Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolette Peji.
Nicolette, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am part of a high school social entrepreneurship program called WIT (Whatever It Takes). Through this, I was labor to create an enterprise where I design and create my own original greeting cards called Love Letters. By creating this business, I was able to use my passion for graphic design to help spread joy and kindness. Every time a card from Love Letters is sold, one card with a handwritten, uplifting message inside is donated to someone who is in need of a little extra love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The main challenge throughout the process of starting a business has been that I am a high school entrepreneur. I will admit, it has been a challenge to balance sales and inventory with sat prep and schoolwork. Sometimes, it gets difficult to make time to work on Love Letters. However, it’s worthwhile for me to work hard and get experience in the world of social entrepreneurship. It’s also hard to know what I should be doing to make my business a success. Through the WIT program, I get a lot of guidance about what the next steps in my business should be.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Love Letters story. Tell us more about the business.
Love Letters is an original greeting card company made with my own personal designs. The social aspect of my business is called Operation Smiles. In order to encourage other teenagers to be civically engaged, I brought a group of friend with my to walk around Downtown San Diego to give out cards to random people who we thought could use some cheering up. Inside, we had written uplifting messages, jokes, happy quotes, and other things to hopefully make their day.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been so lucky to able to be a part of the WIT program and to have an amazing mentor like Sarah Hernholm, who guides me through the overwhelming process of creating an enterprise. I have also been very blessed to have been raised in a family where my artistic passions and entrepreneurial spirit is supported and nourished since the beginning.
Pricing:
- $5 for a card
- 5 cards for $20
- Mini bundles are $10
Contact Info:
- Website: lovelettersus.com
- Email: loveletterscards@gmail.com
- Instagram: loveletters.us
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