3 Sisters Start Snack Business Before the Age of 15
Aniya Austin, Ma’Riya Austin and Sarai Byrd turned their love for spending time with each other making baked goods into a business, and they did it before the age of 15. According to the sisters, they were making snacks for themselves, during one of their many weekends that they spend together, and thought ‘why not turn this into a business?’ With the help of their father, Aniya (14), Ma’Riya (9) and Sarai (8) started their own snack company: Sista Girl Snacks co.
They’ve had their business for one to two years and have vended at four events, including a women’s event, a birthday party and a kid’s vending fair.
The girls vending at an event. (Picture by James Austin)
According to their Facebook page, Sista Girl Snacks wants to push the message that no matter your gender or age, you can be your own boss. And their motto is "Girls Deserve The World.”
Sista Girl Snacks offers a variety of goods such as lollipops, popcorn, turtles and pretzels. But, they’re not your average snacks. The girls like to experiment and try new things to create new flavors, such as green apple popcorn or garlic and herb pretzels.
“We hope to make it big and sell it in stores,” said Aniya. Sarai added on that she loved to sell the snacks in stores such as Target and Walmart.
Eventually, Ma’Riya wants to hire people to work for their business, but not first without a background check.
The girls spend almost every weekend together, which is their favorite part of the business.
“We want to inspire little kids,” Sarai said. “Whatever their mind is set on they can follow it.”
The girls already have plans for their future. Ma’Riya doesn’t plan on going to college, but wants to start another business of her own. Sarai will soon be opening her own bank account to save for college. And, Aniyah wants to continue growing Sista Girl Snacks.
“I want to encourage other people to make their own things themselves,” Ma’Riya said. “You can’t let people stop you from what you’re trying to do.”
To purchase Sista Girl Snacks, visit their Facebook page or contact them at sistagirlsnacks@gmail.com.