Q&A with Sloan Tuite '29 by Dr. James Edge, Upper School History and English teacher and Social Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Sloan Tuite ‘29 started bEST Beauty selling spa kits and homemade jewel soap at the Parents’ Association’s Holiday Market. In the future, she hopes to branch out into other beauty products such as lip gloss.

Q: Where did this idea come from?

A: The idea to start bEST Beauty came from seeing other similar businesses and wanting one with my own twist.

Q: Can you tell me about one of the hardest things you have had to handle through developing this idea?

A: One of the hardest aspects has been avoiding spending too much, so I can ensure I make a profit.

Q: Where do you see this pursuit going in the future? 

A: I hope it is something that will turn into a main job once I become an adult.

Q: What is your favorite part about this effort?

A: My favorite part of bEST Beauty is turning my hobby into a business.

Q: What is something you were not expecting?

A: I was definitely not expecting how busy I would be or how to balance this pursuit with normal life.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about running your own business?

A: Finance!

Q: What has been the overall effect of your enterprise on PD and the surrounding community?

A: I haven’t really gotten that far into my business to figure that part out.

Q: How do you balance school, activities, and your business?

A: I try to work on bEST Beauty when I can, but I put other things, like school and family, first.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give other PD students trying to start a business?

A: Don’t try too hard or get obsessed at first, and make sure you don’t rush while starting.