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Madeleine sells her Comical Wallets at YouthBiz Marketplace.
Madeleine Whitney makes the kind of items that you’ll never find in a store! Her business, Comical Wallets, sells unique wallets that she hand-crafts out of comic books and fabric. Kids and adults alike love them! At just 13 years old, Madeleine has built an impressive business that’s been around for the last four years. You’ll find her products online and in person at the YouthBiz Marketplace this Saturday.
Read more about Comical Wallets below, and watch her segment on Colorado and Company!
Question: Tell me a little bit about yourself – name, age, how long you’ve been an entrepreneur?
Answer: I’m Madeleine Whitney, I’m 13 years old, I have had my business for four years.
Q: Do you have a website? If so, let us know what it is.
A: Yes, I do have a website! Â It is www.comicalwallets.com. I also have a Facebook and Instagram site:
   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/comicalwallets
   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comicalwallets/
Q: What motivated or inspired you to start a business?
A: I enjoy making things and I wanted a way to earn my own money.
Q: Please share an overview of your business.
A: I make wallets out of comic books and fabric wallets. I also make other comic book related items. For example, I make magnets and gift cards from the extra comic book pages to reduce waste.
Q: What makes your business unique?
These are one of a kind items that you can’t find in a store!  The comic book wallets are unique and two are alike.
Q: Tell us about some of the challenges you face being a young business owner.
A: As a young person, it is hard to find ways to grow my business. I must manage material costs, labor, and make sure my pricing is appropriate to sell.
Q: What is the best part about having your own business?
A: The best part is earning my own money and learning about business. It is fun to see your hard work turn into profit. I also enjoy the ability to grow my business and try new things.
Q: Why should other youth start a business?
A: Owning a business gives you a lot of skills and real life experience that applies to more than just running a business.
Q:Â Please share about your involvement with Young Americans.
A: I have done the YouthBiz Marketplaces almost every year (both spring and fall markets) since I started my business. I have also attended the workshops. Last year I participated in the Marketplace and Expo at Denver Startup Week.
Q: What do you love most about the Marketplace?
A: The best part of Marketplace is learning from the other kids. Â I also enjoy seeing the other products and businesses.
