When Ariana Pierce was 17, she wasn’t only dreaming about Friday night football games and prom dresses like her peers. Instead, she was brainstorming ideas for her first big enterprise. Raised by a family that exudes entrepreneurial spirit, Ariana set off to transform her entertaining and business dreams into a reality. After building up capital and with support from her family, Ariana launched Superstar Nail Lacquer, a line of fast-drying, vegan-friendly nail polishes at the age of 18. Her nail polishes took off quickly in her community and also made a splash in Hollywood. Miley Cyrus, Lauren Conrad, and Selena Gomez are among the celebrities that have donned Pierce’s pretty polishes. Since then, Pierce has shared her entrepreneurial expertise with young teens through books and her lifestyle blog. Bauce Magazine talks with Ariana about growing her enterprises, the challenges of being a young CEO, and what she believes is the most important assest to posses as an entrepreneur.
Bauce: What inspired you to start Superstar Lacquer? Where did you get the idea for it?
What inspired me to start Superstar Nail Lacquer was the need for beautiful and bold lacquers to match the fashion runways. I didn’t just want a polish line, I wanted to create a culture behind it. A culture where every girl and woman who wore the brand could feel like a superstar! Hence the name, “Superstar Nail Lacquer”. My mother actually inspired the idea of having a nail polish brand! She is such an inspiring entrepreneur; her ideas for business and marketing are out of this world!
Bauce: How long did it take to make Superstar Nail Lacquer a reality? What is your advice on “being patient” when it comes to growing a business?
It took time to create Superstar Nail Lacquer! It seems like it was an overnight success but it took years. I started off with a previous business that I enjoyed, but I knew that there was more I could do. After I built up capital and learned the business world, that’s when I had the resources and confidence to build Superstar Nail Lacquer. Most people see the end results and successes of those who have been in business for years but never see the beginning. Success is a process. You must be patient and start where you can to get to where you want to be!
Bauce: You started your business at 17. What are some of the challenges of being a young entrepreneur? What are some of the advantages?
One of the challenges of being a young entrepreneur is not being able to spend as much time with family friends. There are times when I have to travel or speak at a business conference instead of being at an event with a friend. I’m so glad that my friends understand my life and we make the most out of every moment spent together. An advantage are the events and people I get to meet! To be around high achieving entrepreneurs is so inspiring! They push me to do and be more. Plus, the celebs I get to meet are pretty cool too!
Bauce: What are some challenges you dealt with in starting your business? How did you overcome them?
I was so young when I started my business. A challenge was getting people three times my age to respect me as a businesswoman. To overcome this, I had to educate myself and become an expert in the nail and beauty industry. I had to show them that I knew what I was talking about and my business was here to stay!
Bauce: What trait do you believe is the most important for a woman to possess in order to launch her business or become a CEO?
One of the most important traits that a woman must possess in launching her business is determination. You have to be determined to not only start your business, but to continue when things get tough. There are going to be times in your business when things may slow down or you may have to push harder to reach your goals, and that’s when determination kicks in. You have to keep pushing and keep going until you win!
Bauce: What is your advice for young women who may be thinking about starting a business but are scared that they might fail?
I always say that if you are waiting for the perfect time to start that business or succeed, you will be waiting a lifetime! You have to have faith and just start. You must remember that failure is not final. Every successful person has failed in some area of his or her business, but they did not stop just because of a challenge. Again, it’s all about determination and pushing until you win.
Bauce: What are some of your future plans?
I am always working on something new! There are a few surprise projects, but the one I am most excited for is our Women’s Success Conference, which will be held July 25-27, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. The Women’s Success Conference is for girls looking for new direction. Whether your business is booming or you’ve just begun and you’re still at small beginnings, we will empower you with the business blueprint you need to attract the success you’ve been wanting! My mom and I will be hosting this conference, so you will get business advice from two perspectives.
Bauce: How do you define a “bauce” woman?
A “bauce” woman is someone who believes that she can and will succeed. She is focused and ready to fulfill her dreams now and not later!
To get more savvy business advice from Ariana Pierce, follow her on Twitter @AriTheHeiress and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/arianatheheiress. Like visuals? Follow her on instagram: http://instagram.com/AriTheHeiress
