The 12-Year-Old Entrepreneur Making Waves with Junk By MiMi and Floral Creations By MiMi

In today’s world, it's not often that you find a 12-year-old who not only excels academically but also runs two successful businesses. Meet Mariyah Willis, a remarkable young entrepreneur who is making her mark with creativity, passion, and an entrepreneurial spirit well beyond her years.

Mariyah, who proudly holds a spot on the principal's honor roll, started her first business by customizing phone cases. As I walked through the community, I couldn’t help but notice the growing number of kids showing off these incredible phone cases—each with charms, names, and a unique flair. After a bit of digging, I discovered that Mariyah was the genius behind these amazing designs.

Mariyah’s phone case business, Junk By MiMi, has quickly become a favorite among her peers. The vibrant, personalized cases stand out, making phones feel truly unique. Mariyah calls them Junk Cases because they are filled with colorful charms, names, and other eye-catching decorations. Of course, I had to place an order myself, and as Mariyah showed me her creative process, I was blown away by her talent.

Her passion for design is evident as she carefully selects each charm and element to match her client’s style. Mariyah says her favorite part is seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they receive their custom case. “I love making something special for each person,” she says with a bright smile.

Follow Mariyah's phone case journey on Instagram: @junkby_mimi

But phone cases aren’t Mariyah’s only talent. During our conversation, I noticed another side of her creativity—custom bouquets made from flowers and money. That’s when I learned about her second business, Floral Creations By MiMi. Inspired by her mother’s friend Mary, who taught her the craft, Mariyah fell in love with the idea and put her own spin on it.

Her passion for creating these beautiful arrangements comes from her desire to make people smile. “My favorite part is seeing how happy people get when they see the bouquets,” she shares. Mariyah’s mother, Ms. Sophia, and her mentor Mary are her biggest supporters, always encouraging her to keep pushing forward.

Check out Mariyah’s floral creations on Instagram: @floral_creationsbymimi

Despite running two businesses, Mariyah continues to excel academically. Being on the principal's honor roll is proof of her dedication to both her studies and her entrepreneurial journey. Mariyah says that earning her own money gives her a sense of pride and independence. “I like being able to buy the things I want with my own money,” she says confidently.

Mariyah Willis is not just a young business owner; she’s an inspiration to her peers and a reminder of how creativity, passion, and the right support can turn dreams into reality. Her journey wouldn’t have been possible without the love and encouragement of her mother and her mentor Mary. Mariyah’s story shows that with dedication and a little bit of guidance, young people can achieve amazing things.

Mariyah’s entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to balance school with running two businesses are truly remarkable. She’s a testament to what young minds can achieve when supported by family and community. As Mariyah continues to grow her businesses, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to inspire other young people to follow their dreams.

Follow her journey and show your support:

Junk By MiMi: @junkby_mimi