The Business of Building Young Entrepreneurs — Small Business

Introducing Poketti Plushies Series2

Smaller. Cuter. Brighter. Smarter.

Hello from Sydney and Toni, co-founders of Poketti! Since launching our company on Kickstarter in 2013, we have worked really hard to build our business — and we have you to thank for our success! 

We've learned so much on our journey so far, and have received incredible support and advice from professionals in the gift and toy industries. Today, we're so excited to announce Poketti Plushies with Pocket Powers: eight adorable new characters that capture the valuable lessons we’ve learned as young entrepreneurs.

Poketti Plushies with Pocket Powers are designed...


3 Steps to Help Young Entrepreneurs Start a Business

Sydney recently started an Entrepreneurial Club at her high school, an all-girls school in Palo Alto. Ten girls signed up, each eager to use the club as a way to launch her own business. The idea of making something and [making money!] selling it is hugely compelling, but as Sydney told the group, it's really important to build your business around something you love. For one thing, the amount of time and effort it takes to launch and build a successful business is extraordinary so you really have to "want" to spend that time, and also, the key to selling anything is...


The Elevator Pitch in 5 Steps by The Poketti Girls

The most important thing Sydney and Toni have learned as young entrepreneurs is BE PREPARED. You never know who you might meet, or what opportunities may arise — big or small — so you have to be ready for anything. And readiness brings confidence, and that alone is worth the effort. 

While we were visiting AmericasMart Atlanta for ICON HONORS this summer, the girls learned first hand how important it is to be able to explain their business quickly and effectively. With Poketti in hand (which often invites a conversation), Sydney and Toni met editors, buyers, sales representatives, reporters, notable executives in the gift and toy industry, and...


Social Media for Small Business Explained by Experts (Teens)

We had a jam-packed summer of exciting business activities for Poketti, and I really hate to see it come to an end. School and ballet will start in two weeks, and that means lonely days for me without my business partners by my side. Sniff. 

This summer, Sydney and Toni launched their Young Entrepreneurs Web Series. Their first video was just plain fun, teaching kids the art of manipulation, or "how to convince your parents to buy you a Poketti" (or any toy for that matter). It's a proven strategy, take it from me.

They released their second episode just yesterday. In this video, they share tips,...


Driving Brand Value: A New iPhone Game from Poketti

One of the rewards of working with young entrepreneurs is that the potential for the company is without limits. We started, of course, with Poketti Plushies with a Pocket, stuffed animal pillows with a useful back pocket to hold your phone or notebook. But the vision has always been based on the model of Hello Kitty or Rilakumma, where we'd have accessories and other products under the Poketti brand. 

We have already created a pocket-sized notebook, stickers, greeting cards, and a brand-new activity book filled with coloring pages and puzzles. Everything we create is meant to extend the value of our brand experience....