MAKENNA SCHWARTZ

Age:

By Stacie Ball | Photo by Leaha Meinika

You might say Makenna Schwartz has a “need for beads.” The daughter of Denny and Leann Schwartz (and sister to Conner) has used her love of crafting to create a successful jewelry business and give back at the same time. Humbled by her nomination for Junior Achievement Entrepreneur of the Month, she is excited to “bead all that she can bead.”

It all started in 2021 when Schwartz’s mom bought a very pricey beaded teacher lanyard from Etsy. Convinced she could make it herself, Schwartz purchased some supplies and began making more lanyards for family and friends. Soon people were requesting other beaded items like keychains and wristlets. The young entrepreneur started her business, “Beaded by Kenna.” It has been growing ever since. Online, she offers custom lanyards, wristlets, keychains, and pens in various colored round or hexagonal beads. There are even sports and animal-themed beads!

Even before opening her online store, Schwartz was no stranger to hard work. She has played volleyball throughout middle school and high school and has been a ten-year 4-H member in swine, showing pigs at the county and state fairs. The high school senior is involved in many school clubs and groups, such as class officer, student council, sunshine society, swing choir, national honors society, high school ambassador, and honor roll. She has played multiple lead roles in her high school musicals and is also a dance instructor! Her biggest accomplishment, however, was being interviewed by ABC 21 News for the Young Entrepreneur of the Month and watching the segment on Christmas night.

This busy schedule could throw anyone for a loop, but Schwartz tries her best to stay organized. She clarified, “The best part of running a small business is creating my hours.” The active teen feels fortunate she can manage her time so that when she finishes school projects and after-school commitments, she can work on her orders.

Even with a busy schedule, she says pricing her products is the most challenging part of her business. “I like to keep my products at a very affordable price to attract customers and keep them happy,” she explained. Not only does she have competitive prices, but she is determined to give back. Ten percent of all Beaded by Kenna proceeds go to Laurel Mission in Big Laurel, Kentucky. Through her visits over the past 11 years, the mission has grown near and dear to her heart, and she wanted to support their efforts. Since January, she has raised over $500 for Laurel Mission.

“I think the most important quality to have is communication,” Schwartz replied when asked what contributes to success. Because of her bubbly personality, she loves communicating with others. These skills are valuable during craft shows and markets. “I always try to be welcoming and appreciative of my customers.” With a passion for communication, she plans to attend Ball State University to major in Speech-Language Pathology.

Check out her work at beadedbykenna.bigcartel.com or go to Beadedbykenna on Instagram or Facebook. a

Leather Recliner from Van’s Home Center vanshomecenter.com

Every dad deserves his own man-chair. Van’s

By Amber Bouthot | Photos Provided

Looking for a unique and special gift to honor the men in your life this Father’s Day? Here are some local gift ideas to help you celebrate them and shop local!

A one-of-a-kind watch from Eichhorn Jewelry’s Estate Collection eichhornjewelry.com

Eichhorn Jewelry in Decatur has a large collection of Estate jewelry that includes men’s watches. This is the perfect timeless gift for the special man in your life.

The Big Green Egg from Collier’s Fireplace Shoppe trustcolliers.com

Have a grill master in your family? Collier’s is an authorized dealer for Big Green Egg brand ceramic, kamado-style charcoal grills. Big Green Egg can be used as a grill, oven, or smoker. It comes in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from MINI, which is designed for cooking for 1 or 2, all the way up to the 2XL, capable of cooking up to 20 steaks, or a whole suckling pig.

INOX Jewelry from Will Jewelers willjewelers.com

Will Jewelers carries Inox Jewelry, affordable, durable, and modern jewelry pieces for men from all walks of life.

Half Day Handyman package from ACE Handyman Services acehandymanservices.com

Give your dad or husband a break this Father’s Day. Gift them a half day Handyman package from ACE Handyman that includes 4 hours of professional handyman services, quality workmanship, and more.

E-Z-Go Golf Cart from Hot Rod Golf Carts hotrodgolfcarts.com

Have a golfer in your life? Give them a gift they won’t forget. Hot Rod Golf Carts has a large selection of new and used E-Z-Go Golf carts in stock. a