You know how happy I am to promote youth entrepreneurship, kids who take initiative and even more so, giving back to the community. Back in June, I introduced you to a young Westminster entrepreneur named Zara Verelst. At the time, she was 12 years old and had just started a business called My Book Buddiez — born from a simple moment of not having a bookmark and deciding to make one. Her mom posted a TikTok video of the creation, it went viral, and here we are. Zara has just won $7,500 in a national contest!
My Book Buddiez are articulated, whimsical, interchangeable animal fidget bookmarks that sit on top of your book to hold your page — and with 46 animals to choose from, there’s a Buddie for everyone. Zara also supports the Shine Initiative, a local organization working to destigmatize mental health in youth–and she donates 5% of every order to the cause. Since that first story, a lot has happened — so I reached out to Zara again and asked her more about My Book Buddiez. *And I ordered a Book Buddie for all the readers in my family!
Tell us how My Book Buddiez got started. What was the moment you realized this could be a real business?
I realized that it could be a real business when I made a bookmark out of cardboard and a random fidget. My mom thought it was really cool, so she made a TikTok video about it. The video went viral, and people were commenting that they thought I should make it into a real business. So I decided to do it.
What does a Book Buddie actually look like, and how do you make them? And is one of them called a Book Buddie? Or should everyone buy at least 2 so we can just say Book Buddiez?
A Book Buddie is a 3D printed bookmark in a variety of different colors. There is also a 3D printed articulated animal of your choice (46 to choose from) with a slider on the bottom so it can attach to the bookmark. One of them is called a Book Buddie.
Tell me about the contest and how you entered — how was it connected to Kids Markets, and what did you have to do to apply? Was there a pitch or a competition involved?
Kids Markets offers a scholarship once a year to any child under the age of 18 who has signed up for at least one of their events around the US. The scholarship application is only open for the month of August. There were a lot of questions to answer about all aspects of my business and I had to provide pictures and a video. The scholarship is called The Tony Robbins Youth Entrepreneur Scholarship. Prizes range from $500–$10,000.
You won a $7,500 prize — what was your reaction when you found out?
When I was on the call and I heard the person say that they were calling about the scholarship that I had applied for, I opened my mouth so wide and my eyes opened so big, I put my hand to my mouth and said “OH MY GOD!”
What are you planning to do with the prize money?
I am planning on using the money to apply for a patent, and with the leftovers I am going to get 3D printers that print faster, and lastly advertising.
In the story we shared back in June, you mentioned that you’ve partnered with the Shine Initiative to donate 5% of every order to mental health awareness for youth. Why was that cause important to you?
They support youth mental health, which is important to me.
Has the Shine Initiative partnership changed how you think about your business — like, does it feel different knowing part of every sale goes somewhere bigger than just the business itself?
Yes, because I am giving back to an important cause that can make a difference to all kids.
What’s the hardest part of running a real business at 13?
The hardest part is my lack of confidence in making videos. I am getting better at it. (Editor’s note: Same)
What has surprised you most about selling to actual customers?
What surprises me most is when the customer asks for only part of my product instead of the whole thing.
Your TikTok video got over 300,000 views. What was it like watching that number go up? Did it feel real? Can you share a link to that video so my readers can see it? (I must be in the stone ages!)
I was shocked when I saw how many people watched it. It did not feel real. I can’t share the link because it is on my mom’s TikTok, however, you can see more recent videos on My Book Buddiez social media.
Do you have any videos — on TikTok, Instagram, or anywhere else — where people can see the Book Buddiez in action?
On TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook — @mybookbuddiez
What does a typical week look like for you between school and My Book Buddiez?
My life is very busy between school, marching band, physical therapy, jazz band, concert band, choir, gymnastics, and my business. I try to work on my business in between activities and on Sundays.
Has running a business changed anything about how you think about money, or how you think about what you want to do when you grow up?
I understand the meaning of money and how to keep track of it.
Is there anyone — a person, a book, a show, anything — that you’d say really inspired you when it came to starting a business?
All the comments from my mom’s initial video inspired me to start this business.
What would you say to another person your age who has an idea but isn’t sure if they should go for it?
Do it! It’s ok to try something new!
What’s next for My Book Buddiez — anything you’re working on that you can share?
For a limited time my holiday collection is available on my website.
Where can people buy a Book Buddie for themselves or as a gift? Do you ship, and is there anything special coming up — new designs, holiday drops, or anything like that?
People can purchase a bookmark on my website at www.mybookbuddiez.com. You can also follow on social media for any upcoming booths and new designs. We ship to all 50 US states. If you are local, please contact me through social media for a special code to be able to pick up directly in Westminster.
