By Cara Martinez
Staff Writer
Costa junior Hannah Lauson uses her passion and creativity in creating a user friendly business called BackPatch, a designed patch for students to put on their backpacks.
Lauson began her business in January 2015 when she realized she wanted more decoration and excitement for her backpack. To create her business she needed to write a formal business plan, learn about finances, set goals for her company, and create specific bank accounts for her company.
“I had a great time creating my business, especially having people who have experience with business to support me with guidance, and help me make my business the best it could be,” Lauson said.
Her customers consist of students attending both Middle School and High School. Backpatch has been gaining popularity with the advertisement help from Lauson’s friends. The patches are made by printing irons on backwards onto iron on transfers using a inkjet printer.
“The design is interesting, and it allows students to express themselves by making their backpacks more festive,” Grace Lauson said.
When purchasing a BackPatch, the customer has the advantage of choosing their own design. She creates her own logos which include patches of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, as well as lacrosse, soccer and basketball patches.
According to Lauson, BackPatch is a fun company to run however, it still requires hard work such as partaking in basic business requirements.
“It was more work than I had expected because I was not aware of the commitment it takes to run a small business took,” Lauson said.
Lauson had to write a twenty page business plan, a file for Database Administrator, and give multiple presentations, along with small legalities. Lauson spent hours each week working on the design and the details of this project.
“Although I have to do all the work, being in a company alone makes it easier to get my job done around my personal schedule, Lauson said.”
Lauson received a generous investment of $250 from Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce which helped her business get started. She has sold fifteen patches so far, and she plans to continue to grow in customers.
“I plan on getting the word out to people by giving my friends some free patches to wear on their backpacks to promote advertising, Lauson said.”
According to Grace Lauson, BackPatch appears to be one of a kind ideas with little or no competition because of its new product.
“Hannah does not have any competition locally, because her company is so new,” said Freshman Isabel Lau.
BackPatch is such an easy way to decorate a backpack, it hopes to gain business and continue to thrive.
“Her products are super easy to apply, and they can be customized any way you want,” Lau said.
Lauson believes that if continues to keep up all of her hard work and effort, BackPatch will continue to be a flourishing company.
“This is going to be successful because she has gotten investments in her company, and she has an original idea,” Grace Lauson said. “I think it is going to be the next new thing.”
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