Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Junker.
Emily, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in sixth grade, I opened a bow business online, making fabric hair bows and selling them on an online platform. I called my business “Emily’s Bowtique,” and it was no small venture. I quickly began shipping orders every week around the country, and even had orders from international locations like England, Brazil, and Australia. When I was in eighth grade, I decided to close my online business, due to school, as it has always been a rule in our home that school comes first!
Now, here is where Tick Tick Fizz’s story began: when I was a Freshman in high school, I discovered the all coveted “Lush,” which is a huge corporate business specializing in body care products, especially bath bombs. I quickly fell in love with the colors, scents, and overall feel of Lush, but the expense of their products was something my mom did not fall in love with. We made a deal that I could continue with my Lush addiction, but it would be on my own dime. After splurging on their new Christmas line that December, my mom jokingly asked me, “Can’t you make these?” Over the next few months, I began thinking about and researching, and it took me about six months to perfect a bath bomb (they are tough – I would not recommend them!
Even now, we have batches turn out poorly and not up to expectations). I did not intend on selling my bath bombs, but just making them for my enjoyment, but soon I had pages of ideas for new ones and my skill became better and better. It was not very long after that my mom suggested selling them, to which I brought up the point of school. My mom then offered to help me with the business, and now jokes that she wishes she didn’t (seriously, a joke!)! I could not run this business without the help of my mom, especially being an honors student in high school with an average of two to three AP classes a year, and I certainly could not do it without the support of my community and everyone who buys from us and gives us their support! I am thankful that I have such a wonderful business, especially as my school schedule being an honors student, student council officer, and leader in many of my clubs does not provide for much time.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a high school student, to say my business has been a smooth road or journey would be a flat out lie. Since the time I first began my business, I have faced not only challenges, but in some points discrimination for my age. When envisioning a “business owner,” not only do many envision a male figure often times, but they envision someone who is middle aged. As a high school student, I have to fight for my business and my business name constantly, pushing myself into the best events and proving to others that I have a passion for what I do and can “run with the big dogs.” Most of the time, my age gains me support, but not always customers. I constantly feel as if I need to prove to others that I am here and I am doing it, at the age of seventeen, and I have been since I was in grade school running an online hair bow business.
Often, I use these thoughts, many that have the potential to turn negative, to drive me to push myself and to do the best I can, rather than be in my product or in the kindness I show to those around me. My mom has been a large rock for me in this business, and ultimately I am not sure I would be where I am today without her, or my father. There have been times where the tears force themselves out through the constant flow of positive words I am trying to drown them out with, but I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by many who believe in me and pick me right back up. My advice to other young women like me who believe or desire a strong leadership role, rather it be a business owner, promotion or other position, is to believe in yourself and your ability. There is a lot of bad in this world that may appear to take over the good, but I can say from personal experience that the good always outweighs the bad, and in the end, you will only be made stronger for the struggles you have faced.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tick Tick Fizz – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I hand make bath and beauty products! My products include bath bombs, surprise bath bombs, toilet bath bombs, shower melts, lip balms, lip scrubs, lotion bars, playdough soap, and shampoo and conditioner bars. I never imagined that my small little project of making a few items over Winter Break from school would turn into a big, small business! Currently, I am featured in several local shops and spend many of my weekends at markets or vendor shows. I spend countless late nights, sometimes after hours of homework, working in my kitchen, backroom, living room, bedroom, on my products! I find my passion in making items, and knowing that something that came from my hands can bring such joy to another individual. As a maker, or a small business, I am most proud of the work that I put into what I do, and the end product I am able to provide, as well as the role in my community that my business has earned me. Not only does my age set me apart from others, but I believe my desire to give back to the community and those around me ultimately sets me apart from others. Constantly, I try to support various organizations, individuals, or foundations by donating my time, and sometimes supplies as well, to benefit those in need. Having a business has allowed me to realize that changing the world does not always need to be something that happens at once, in a large scale “end-world-hunger” manner, but can be something that happens in a small kitchen in Illinois, supported by a wonderful community.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I believe one of the largest barriers to female leadership today begins in a woman’s childhood. Both my mother and my father have always instilled in me this sense of believing in myself, my abilities, and my desires. Both of my parents have nurtured a strong sense of leadership within me, that begin as a small child. Many times, I have presented my mom with large, grandiose ideas, rather it be for something I am convinced is my next business or a school project, and while she has always been honest with me, she has never once told me no or made me believe that my thoughts and ideas were not worthy. Both of my parents have pushed me to believe that I could do whatever I believe is possible, and I feel as if not many parents nurture this today. In addition to this barrier, I believe often times women are not viewed as the stereotypical strong leader, and the fight to overcome that stereotype is enormous and requires a great deal of courage and risk.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1503 Sunset Drive; Washington, IL 61571
- Phone: 309-361-0831
- Email: ticktickfizzco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ticktickfizz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ticktickfizz/
Image Credit:
Emily Junker
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