A young entrepreneur motivated to keep our beaches free from trash has developed a sea glass jewelry business where she is dedicated to Keep The Splash. Twelve year-old Lewis County native, Lili Cihocki, was inspired to make a difference to protect animals in our oceans when she came across a littered beach in Maine. Lili started collecting sea glass, making jewelry and now she contributes 10 percent of every purchase back to protecting sea animals by cleaning our oceans. You can support Lili's cause by purchasing one of her unique items on her NEW mynny.biz website!
Keep The Splash
Owners: Lili Cihocki
Company Name: Keep The Splash
Year Established: 2020
Website: keepthesplash.mynny.biz
About the owner. I am a 12-year-old entrepreneur and have recently just started this business. When I was younger I always wanted to sell something I created and this is that dream.
Describe your start-up story. My family and I visit Lubec, Maine several times a year. I was looking around and noticed that there was trash in the ocean and the beaches. I knew I had to do something. So in Lubec there is a beach scattered with sea glass. I collected a few bags of glass and tried to think of a way I could use it. Then I remembered earlier in the day I bought a necklace from another sea glass necklace maker. I knew that is what I wanted to do. My first necklaces were made with two tools I borrowed from my dad and now I have a whole set of tools. My dad, who owns Apple Mill Development Corp., has given me great advice along the way and helped me in my business journey. Also, my whole family is constantly supportive and that means so much to me. I didn’t give up, and now I am continuing to support the ocean. I am proud to contribute 10% from each purchase to fund cleaning the ocean projects.
Why did you choose to do business in Lewis County? One of the big reasons I started business in Lewis County is because I live here, but also everybody here is so kind and supportive. The advantages of doing business here is everybody knows basically everyone here, so word about your business spreads quickly.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Lewis County? The advice I would give to anyone starting a business in Lewis County is take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. I did that and because of that more people got to know about my business.
What are some of the current projects you are working on and what are you looking forward to in 2021? This year I am working on promoting my website and working on new jewelry designs.
Check out the Keep The Splash website for more about Lili and to support her cause!
