Izzy’s Creation Kits: A masterclass in young entrepreneurship

By Sydney Parker

In June, Isabel enrolled in the Hip-Hope summer camp program, where she learned what it took to start her own business and received funding to kickstart it. By the end of July, she was launching her website and packing orders. By August, she was attending vendor events in Des Moines.

Izzy’s Creation Kits are boxes hand packed with supplies intending to inspire and promote self-care. Her kits start at $10, and she prides herself in including quality items. The inspiration behind her mission came from some of her own struggles.

“I have always been a bigger kid in school, and I have always been made fun of,” said Isabel, “I had to learn to love myself and motivate myself through my toughest times. I wanted something that could reach out to people in those dark times to make them feel empowered.”

The items in the box are not random. Isabel chooses products with motivational quotes and she goes out of her way to prioritize sourcing from businesses with a philanthropic mission.

Isabel gives back to the community, too. After kicking off her business, she contacted a representative from New Directions by Families Forward, a free emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines area. She donates about 20% of her profits to the organization.

“It means everything to me to be a young entrepreneur, especially as an African American,” said Isabel, “It helps me show the world who I can be.”

The support of her family has made a world of difference for Isabel. One of her favorite memories of starting her business was packing orders with her mom, who has had lifelong aspirations of making her own business venture. Even at home, Isabel’s drive brings inspiration.

Through navigating social media for businesses, making connections to sell her products and selling at vendor fairs, Isabel has learned a lot from only months of experience. Her main takeaway has been understanding more about the people she sells to.

“People have different ways of expressing themselves, and it’s our job as human beings to accept them for who they are,” said Isabel.

Isabel is active in her extracurriculars, and creativity is always at the forefront of her hobbies. Between show choir, drawing and sewing, her artistic drive has helped her come at her business with a different perspective. While the future is not set in stone, Isabel knows that she wants to kindle the flame of her small business.