How one 14-yr old used a New Jersey After-school program and kicked off her own business
NEWARK, NJ—Like many other young people during the 2020 pandemic, 14-year-old Ariyan Wint found herself stuck at home with nothing to do. She enrolled in the New Jersey After School All-Stars program (ASAS), and it proved to be one of the most intriguing times of her young life. The program inspired her to start her own business: 'Lipology by Ari,' a beauty, cosmetics, and personal care brand.
"ASAS provides free after-school programs and transformative opportunities that help students develop the skills, knowledge, and habits needed to succeed in life, school, and their future career," according to their website. Students enroll for six weeks in two subject areas of their choice. The subjects include health and fitness, academic readiness, career exploration, and visual and performing arts, to name a few.
Founded in 1993, ASAS has partnered with schools in 60 cities across 13 states, where the data demonstrate that young people have limited access to enhanced learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities. In New Jersey, the program serves students in Newark, Linden, and surrounding cities with sites at the Camden Street Elementary school and the 13th Avenue Elementary school, among others. They launched a virtual after-school enrichment program and provided classes over zoom in March 2020.
Wint learned about cosmetology through that virtual program, particularly the art and science of creating cosmetics. She was curious about how cosmetics were made and finally had the opportunity to learn. She was taught how to make vegan lip gloss in one lesson and was instantly intrigued. Wint continued to make lip-glosses outside of her classes, which quickly became a hobby.
Ariyan Wint in front of Park Albaum’s Emporium, a store where a few of her products were featured. (Photo courtesy of Ariyan Wint)
A business is born
In August 2020, after much thought and research, Wint knew she wanted to start her own business. She approached her parents with $150 in birthday money and savings and a business proposition— if she put all she had into starting a cosmetics brand, would they put the other half? They said yes.
A little brainstorming and the name 'Lipology by Ari' launched. Now it was time to turn her training and passion into a business. With the help of her parents, she created a plan and registered 'Lipology by Ari' as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Next, she used social media policies to promote her products and received exposure with the help of her friends. ASAS also announced and promoted the products on their national social media and website. Soon, friends and others noticed her business with their social media power and financially invested in her dream.
She began participating in pop-up shops around Newark like the Octoberfest Pop-up Market by the Greater Newark Conservancy and The Market Space by Invest Newark. Within weeks she sold hundreds of lip glosses. In February 2021, she launched her website and updated her logo. She also expanded her product list to include facial cleansers, body oils, and beard oils.
Ariyan Wint with her mom, Tenisha Malcolm. (Josie Gonsalves for Public Square Amplified)
The Challenges of a young business
Like many other businesses, Lipology faced periods of highs and lows. When schools returned to in-person attendance, life got busier for Wint. She found it challenging to build her business and focus on schoolwork. At the same time, orders started slowing down from the initial excitement. Disappointment set in, but her family and social networks provided the needed boost of encouragement. She made a schedule for herself and tried her best to stick to it. She also made her products in batches, ready to go when orders came in.
Since last year Wint has shipped over 100 orders through her online store. The General Store Cooperative in Maplewood and The Sister Shop in the Jersey Garden Mall featured her products. She also participated in 30 pop-up shops across the country.
Wint has been volunteering since the age of five and believes in giving back. This commitment comes from her family culture and watching the selfless giving of those around her during her early diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. So, it's no surprise that she donates to charitable organizations with some of the proceeds from her sales.
