Certainly some (or even the majority) of your inventory can be purchased from gift-specific wholesale companies, but there are other sources to pursue also. Visit local craft, art, or trade fairs, and look online on Etsy (or similar websites). In order to have a well-stocked gift shop that appeals to a variety of customers, you'll probably need to obtain inventory from more than one source. Look for an appropriate range of inventory within your niche, and acquire enough to fill all of your shelf and display space. Keep in mind that customers may come in looking for a certain type of item, but find that gifts from a different section catch their eye. So, even if you plan to sell primarily picture frames and wall art, still plan to stock other sections. That said, avoid pigeonholing your inventory. Most gift shops that sell exclusively to one niche or one type of client don't last long. Nearly all gift shops will purchase their inventory wholesale and then mark up the inventory prices. You'll need to pay attention to which items are popular with customers and which items are sitting on the shelves, and mark prices up and down accordingly. For example, if you're located in an area frequented by tourists, they may be willing to pay 50% more for an item than a local would.

Summary: Find reliable inventory sources. Stock up on inventory. Mark inventory prices up on popular items.


This is the fun part! Now that you have your ideas, ask your parent or friend if they can take you to a store to buy your gift. Have several solid ideas before you go, so if the store doesn't carry one item, or if you find it is out of your budget, you still have another option. Once at the store, look for your gift and make your purchase!  If the gift needs other items to work, like batteries or cables, get those as well. This way, they can use their gift right away. Check online for specific items that you may not find in a store, such as sold-out figures. Ask your parent for permission first, however. Square or rectangular items, like books or DVDs, can be wrapped or tucked into a gift bag. Stick with gift bags for other items, such as teddy bears or candy. Add a ribbon or a bow to make the package look prettier.   A wrapped gift will be the easiest to hide on your bag; just add the bow at the last minute so that it doesn't get crushed. A gift bag another great option, as long as you don't mind carrying it around. You could also just leave it on your locker. Use colors or themes you know they like. For example, if you know they like superheroes, choose something with a picture of their favorite action hero on it. Many people keep cards as momentos. A card is a great place to briefly write why you gave them a present ("Happy Birthday!" or "Congratulations on your leading role!") and let them know why you chose that gift or what they mean to you.  You should still give them a card, even if it's an experience gift, like a movie. Mention the experience in the card so that they'll have something to remember. You can buy your card at a store, or you can make one yourself. Even if you aren't very crafty, you can make one using a computer and fun pictures.

Summary: Go shopping! Wrap your gift or place it into a gift bag. Add a card.


Secured credit cards help you rebuild your credit by allowing you to establish a consistent repayment history.  They work like this:  You load a certain amount of money onto the card (a security deposit) and that represents your spending limit.  As you repay the amount you "charge" to the card, it becomes available for you again.  Shop around for the lowest fees and rates.  There are two expenses associated with secured credit cards: an annual fee and an interest rate.  Do your research to find the card that's most affordable for you. Explore "hybrid" cards.  Some cards are hybrids of a secured card and a regular credit card.  They allow the borrower a credit limit that's higher than their security deposit.  These cards typically come with high interest rates. Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, so on-time payments will help you build higher credit.  Once you've  established a positive credit history and improved your credit score, you're able to qualify and apply for one of the issuer's many unsecured cards. It can be very helpful for you both financially and emotionally to have someone on your side as you try to rebuild your credit.  That's what credit counselors do.  They offer services that include helping you to create a budget, negotiating with your creditors, creating a repayment plan, setting up a savings strategy to name a few; it all depends on your needs.  Their goal is to help you eliminate debt and be financially secure.  Choose a reputable counselor.  A professional credit counselor will be experienced and licensed in finance or a related field.  Make sure they are part of a non-profit agency. Investigate debt consolidation services thoroughly.  While seeking a debt consolidating loan may be a good strategy for you, approach this option with caution. If an agency asks for an up-front fee to help you with this process or suggests you stop paying your loans and pay them instead to handle the consolidation, this should raise a red flag for you.

Summary: Get a secured credit card. Make payments on time. See a credit counselor.


Divide your hair into even sections. Section your hair according to the size you’d like the lock to be. Begin to section your hair into squares.  One to two inches (2 ½ to 5 cm) for each square is usually a good size. If you wish, you can secure each section with a rubber band when you are finished sectioning. However, this is not necessary and can be more time consuming. Using a comb, begin to twist each section clockwise. Snag and twist the hairs once you reach the end of the section. Continue this process until you have twisted every section of your hair. Wax each section to hold the twists.  You can do this when you are completely finished twisting, but it is better to do it as you finish each section. Use a thicker wax that does not contain petroleum to begin with.  You can use rubber bands at the roots and ends for the first couple of weeks. Thicker wax is best to begin with because it holds the shape of the locks better than a thinner wax. Twist your hair into shape regularly to help the locks form and keep the shape. You can use a thinner wax once the dreadlocks begin to mature. A thinner wax is used more for fragrance and shine than holding the locks into place.
Summary: Section your hair. Twist each section. Use a dread wax. Maintain the new dreads.