Spotlight on Entrepreneurship: Malia Gudenkauf of Little Miss Finance

Author: Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
Published: Friday, 22 Nov 2024

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Image caption: Malia Fudenkauf, Founder of Little Miss Finance

As we celebrate Entrepreneurship Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Malia Gudenkauf, the inspiring founder of Little Miss Finance. With two years of entrepreneurial experience under her belt and a strong commitment to financial literacy, Malia is making a significant impact in her community and beyond.

A Journey of Discovery

From a young age, Malia felt destined to carve her own path. "I always enjoyed finding fun, creative ways to make money," she recalls, sharing stories of lemonade stands, homemade ice cream sandwiches at garage sales, and friendship bracelets sold to classmates. This entrepreneurial spirit led her to pursue a corporate career after college, but Malia quickly realized that the traditional work-life wasn’t for her.

“I knew from day one that I didn’t want to work at a desk or for someone else for the next 40 years,” she explains. With a desire for greater control over her life and finances, she decided to embark on her entrepreneurial journey.

Influences Along the Way

Malia credits her parents with instilling in her the confidence to think outside the box, despite their lack of entrepreneurial backgrounds. Additionally, she highlights the impact of Mike Finley, who offers free financial literacy classes at the University of Northern Iowa. “Had it not been for the free resources he provided, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Malia shares.

Daily Motivation

Malia's daily motivation stems from her passion for financial literacy. She acknowledges the challenges many face when discussing finances, particularly women in a male-dominated industry. “I know the power this education holds when it is taught in a jargon-free manner,” she says. Each time someone shares their financial success story after engaging with her content or attending her events, Malia feels a surge of pride and joy.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles Malia faced was overcoming her own self-doubt. “It’s incredibly scary to take the jump from a stable corporate job to completely bet on yourself,” she admits. The blurred lines between work and personal life added pressure, but through inner work and resilience, she continues to grow and take risks.

The Joy of Freedom

One of Malia’s favorite aspects of being a business owner is the freedom to control her schedule. A passionate traveler, she relishes the ability to explore without worrying about using up PTO or seeking permission for time off.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering starting their own business, Malia has invaluable advice: “If you have found something you are passionate about, put it out into the world! You don’t have to have everything figured out in the beginning.” She started Little Miss Finance by sharing her financial knowledge on social media, turning a hobby into a thriving business. “Create a space to share what you love. The world deserves to hear your voice!”

The Impact of Junior Achievement

Malia’s entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her experiences with Junior Achievement (JA) during her K-12 education. “JA was one of the first experiences I had to start learning about entrepreneurship,” she recalls. Those hands-on activities left a lasting impression on her and fueled her desire to give back.

Since volunteering with JA while in college, Malia has returned to her high school district to teach, reliving memories and making new ones. Her involvement with the Community Impact board reflects her dedication to supporting JA’s mission of providing financial literacy education to students.

A Lasting Legacy

Malia Gudenkauf is a true testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of financial literacy. Through Little Miss Finance, she’s not just building a business; she’s empowering others to take control of their finances and futures. As we celebrate Entrepreneurship Month, let’s take inspiration from Malia’s journey and strive to make a difference in our own communities.

If you’re interested in learning more about financial literacy or exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, check out Malia’s work at Little Miss Finance. Your journey could start today!