How I started a business at 16

How I Started a Business at 16: The Doodle Zoo Story

 

Starting a business at any age can feel daunting, but at 16, I decided to turn a dream into reality. My journey with Doodle Zoo began during lockdown, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. Here’s my story—how I went from a teenager studying for my GCSEs to running a growing small business that I’m incredibly proud of.

The Idea Behind Doodle Zoo

It all started with my rescue dog, Dotty. Like so many of us, I found comfort in my pets during lockdown. I started an Instagram account for Dotty, sharing her adventures and connecting with other dog owners. That’s when I noticed all the small businesses creating beautiful, unique dog accessories.

I loved the idea of creating something that could bring together my love for dogs, my creativity, and a desire to start something of my own. At the time, I didn’t feel like traditional education was for me, and I wanted to explore other options for my future. Doodle Zoo became the answer.

The Name and the Vision

The name “Doodle Zoo” has a special meaning. Dotty isn’t a doodle, but her name inspired the “do” in Doodle Zoo, and I added “odle” to reflect my love for doodles and poodles. The “Zoo” represents my passion for all animals. Together, the name encapsulates everything I wanted my brand to stand for—fun, creativity, and a love for four-legged friends.

I envisioned Doodle Zoo as a place for stylish, functional dog accessories, designed to make dogs and their humans happy.

Getting Started

Starting a business at 16 wasn’t easy. While most of my friends were focusing on revision, I was busy designing products, contacting suppliers, and figuring out how to run a business. I spent my summer preparing everything, from sourcing high-quality materials to creating a brand identity that felt authentic to me.

I made my first purchase on GCSE results day—it was a moment of hope and determination, knowing this was my chance to build something special.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

One of the biggest challenges was juggling everything—schoolwork, life, and running a business. As a dyslexic teen with ADHD, organization didn’t come naturally to me, but my passion for Doodle Zoo kept me going. I learned to set small goals, celebrate wins, and keep pushing forward, even when things felt overwhelming.

I also had to teach myself about social media marketing, product photography, and building a website—skills I never imagined I’d need but have become invaluable.

The Future of Doodle Zoo

Since launching Doodle Zoo in November 2024, it’s been incredible to see the support from customers and the growing community around the brand. I’ve learned so much in such a short time, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

To anyone thinking about starting a business, my advice is simple: take the leap. You don’t need to have it all figured out, and you’ll learn so much along the way. If I can do it at 16, so can you!

Thank you for reading my story. If you’d like to explore the stylish dog accessories we offer at Doodle Zoo, head over to our shop and find something perfect for your four-legged friend.