I started jewelry brand after high school instead of going to college

"When I turned 15, like all my friends, I wanted to get a job at a café to earn money. But my father pushed me to start my company young, and it's the reason I'm now financially independent at 20. I started selling origami butterfly artwork, a skill I picked up from a school trip to Japan and honed during the COVID-19 lockdown. I started selling them at markets in Melbourne when I was 16."

"When I made my first sale to a lady who bought three of my artworks for $100, I was shocked. It was the first time I realized I could earn money with something I had made with my own hands. I added jewelry to the product mix not long after starting my company, Kiana Mei Designs, which sells affordable, customizable jewelry, as well as origami artworks."

"I passed my 12th grade with one of the highest grades in my school, which could qualify me for most college courses. But I decided to go all in on my business for just one year, focusing on growing it instead of going to college. I now have a stall at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, open from Tuesday to Sunday. I've moved out of my parents' house, am financially independent, and don't regret anything."

Kiana Mei began selling origami butterfly artwork after a school trip to Japan and practicing during the COVID-19 lockdown. She sold at Melbourne markets from age 16 and made an early $100 sale that showed handmade work could earn income. She expanded into affordable, customizable jewelry under Kiana Mei Designs. She balanced high school and weekend markets and completed 12th grade with top marks, then postponed college to focus on growing the business for a year. At 20 she runs a stall at Queen Victoria Market, works Tuesday through Sunday, has moved out of her parents' home, and is financially independent. She notes that feeling of isolation is a major challenge.

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