Young Entrepreneur Finds Success with Pickleball Paddles
Eleora Liang, a 13-year-old homeschooled student from Singapore, has transformed her love for pickleball into a thriving online business. She runs A Little Ripple, an online store specializing in pickleball paddles.
From Stationery to Pickleball Paddles
Eleora's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 10 when she started selling stationery and small gifts. However, she quickly realized that this business model wasn't sustainable.
After exploring other ideas like selling clothes and home decor, she found her niche in pickleball paddles. Having played the sport for four years, she noticed a growing demand for paddles. Despite challenges in finding a reliable supplier, she secured one and launched her business in early 2024.
Balancing Studies, Violin, and Business
Eleora's daily routine is a delicate balance of studies, violin practice, and managing her business. She dedicates four to five hours a day to updating her website, creating social media content, packing orders, and responding to customer inquiries.
Her family plays a significant role in supporting her business:
- Parents handle financial matters.
- Older sister assists with marketing.
A Little Ripple: A Growing Business
A Little Ripple offers a range of pickleball paddles for:
- Beginners
- Advanced players
- Children
- Paddle sets
Eleora's earnings vary, but she can make up to $3,000 a month during peak business times. She reinvests part of her profits into her business and uses the rest to fund her violin hobby.
Challenges and Growth
Like any entrepreneur, Eleora faces challenges such as:
- Managing customer expectations during shipment delays
- Dealing with unreasonable customers
Despite these hurdles, she finds the entrepreneurial journey exciting and enjoyable. She encourages other young aspiring entrepreneurs not to fear failure, as it's a valuable learning experience.
Expanding the Business
Recently, Eleora expanded her business by launching DIY crochet kits, which include materials and step-by-step video tutorials for creating various animals. With prices starting at $7.90, these kits are also available on her website.
