Welcome to The Denville Moms Network Young Entrepreneurs Spotlight Series
Photo Credit: Purple Aardvark
As a kick off to this important series, I am excited to introduce you to Leah Berzak, founder and owner of Homemade Happiness by Leah. I first found Leah on The Purple Aardvark Instagram when they highlighted her products in their store. As a teacher (and someone who teaches entrepreneurial skills to my students), I was so excited to see that a young entrepreneur was featured in a local store. I knew that I had to interview her and feature her (and I am so glad that I did)!
What is your name, how old are you and where are you from?
My name is Leah Berzak and I am 14 years old. I am a resident of Mendham, NJ and am a Freshman at West Morris Mendham High School!
What is your business called and how long have you been established?
I am the owner of Homemade Happiness by Leah. It is an all natural bath & body cosmetics line. What’s unique about my business is all my products are handmade by me, all natural, use all fruits & dyes instead of colorants, and every product contains an inspirational quote. I started my business last June 2018!
What is your mission?
My mission is to provide customers with a safe alternative to commercial cosmetics with unhealthy dyes and additives. Through my business, I hope to empower girls who don’t feel like they have a say in the topic they’re passionate about.
What was a recent project you worked on? How did it come about?
I recently launched a new website because I feel that a website is the key to marketing and content of a business. I’ve gotten such a positive response, and for any fledgling business, my advice would be to take the time to reflect your business in a digital space like a website. I also recently received my Girl Scout Silver Award where me and two other scouts made 30 care packages consisting of inspirational letters, activities and toys for Morristown Goryeb Children’s hospital patients. I am planning my Girl Scout Gold Award and I’d like to focus on self beauty or ocean pollution.
Anyone special you would like to thank for helping you get this business started?
I would like to thank my parents for being so supportive and encouraging as I started my business. My dad helped me with pricing in the beginning, because I didn’t even know what wholesale pricing was! My mom drives me to every store in the area and I am so thankful!!
What are your future plans and goals for your business?
My plan is to expand my products to big retail stores across the United States. I especially would like to get the attention of health food stores, and gift shops in the area.
Do you have specific milestones/dates you can share with us (a new store that will have your product)?
You can find my products at Harmony Brookside in Brookside, Purple Aardvark in Chatham, Brick & Mortar Marketplace in Lafayette, and Pink Bungalow in Montclair (all in New Jersey). New store alert! New products will be available at Regalo Gift Store in Morris Plains, NJ on April 27, 2019.
What advice do you have for other young entrepreneurs?
I encourage young entrepreneurs to just go for it. You have to believe in your products and business to be successful. If you’re worrying too much about all the things that can go wrong, you won’t have a successful business.
Favorite things to do outside of your business?
I have been in performing arts since I was 8 years old. I truly love singing, acting and dancing and recently performed in my schools spring musical! I also sing in my school choir & in an after school singing club. Although I love my business, I think it’s really important to make time for your other hobbies that you enjoy doing.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually a Senior Girl Scout and have participated in Girl Scouts since 4th grade! Also, I really don’t like public speaking but I found that its an important skill to learn over time. It’s always nerve racking to meet with a store representative, but as long as I have a professional pitch and positive outlook – I am always happy with myself.
I encourage you to support Leah and go out to the following stores who currently carry her products:
Purple Aardvark, Brick & Mortar Marketplace, Harmony Brookside, Regalo Gift Store & Pink Bungalow!
Homemade Happiness By Leah Instagram