Running your own business is a big step and one nine-year-old is juggling her craft with school, gymnastics, and swimming to help other young people receiving medical treatment.
Alice Ambrose started Handmade by Alice-Neve at the turn of the year, after spending her ninth birthday with her friends, creating jewellery.
She had so much fun, that she thought she would start selling her products and donate all the money she makes to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, which is currently caring for one of her friends who has a brain tumour.
The youngster from Ipswich said: “I really enjoy doing it because it’s relaxing.”
She makes a variety of products, such as bracelets, necklaces, key rings, and scrunchies and has started to make items such as Pokemon blind bags, and themed items such as Pride, breast cancer and Sarcoma.
Each item can take between five minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the type of product and material.
She does everything herself, such as creating and selling the products, taking photos of the wares, sourcing stock, choosing designs and controlling stock levels.
The only thing that she has assistance with is her social media sites, which are run by her mum, Kirsty.
She said: “It isn’t just a little girl who makes jewellery, she is literally running the entire business herself.
“Her business has taken over the house, but it’s really good.”
At the moment, products are sold through her Facebook page, while also at pop-up shops around Suffolk, with a look to selling on Etsy in the future.
Kirsty continued: “It’s going really well, and through doing this for the hospital, she has gone on to meet so many other children that are being helped by the charity.
“It’s not just about the jewellery but also speaking to people and hearing about their journeys which is what is lovely.”
