What inspires two teenagers to create a business dedicated to spreading joy and building connections in a world that often feels overwhelming?

17 year old Mercedes and 14 year old Anastasia are sisters and co-founders of the company, Small Bits of Happiness. Their mission is to help individuals of all ages find more happiness in daily life as well as build happy habits and connections. As two teens, Mercedes and Anastasia understand firsthand the difficulties of teenage-hood, including not only the hormonal changes that tweens and teens undergo, but the added stressors of war, post-pandemic life, and beyond.

Small Bits of Happiness has reached over 4 million teens and adults. Mercedes and Anastasia have been featured on national news and media, spoken at schools and conventions across North America, and host the podcast – Hack Your Happiness. They have also designed a series of happiness-wellness products for tweens, teens, adults and schools.

Listen in as we talk about:

01:00 Meet Mercedes and Anastasia

03:06 Finding happiness in the little things

06:50 The power of connection

08:15 Happiness in everyday moments

10:15 The importance of small bits of happiness

12:26 Balancing school, business, and life

15:29 Learning in the business world

19:08 Building stronger parent-teen connections

23:59 Supporting teens through life’s struggles

27:21 Hack Your Happiness podcast

30:30 Happiness tools and resources

32:26 Looking ahead with Small Bits of Happiness

33:15 Their mom = their most impactful teacher

35:15 Celebrating growth and achievements

37:26 Embracing growth and believing in yourself

Connect with Mercedes and Anastasia:

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• Website: https://smallbitsofhappiness.com/ 
  
• LinkedIn: Small Bits of Happiness
  
• Instagram: @small.bits.of.happiness
  
• TikTok: @smallbitsofhappiness
  
• YouTube: Small Bits of Happiness
  
• Podcast: Hack Your Happiness
  
• Retail Collection: ShopBits
  

Connect with Tiana:

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• Website: https://tianafech.com
  
• LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
  
• Instagram: @tianafech 
  
• Facebook: @tianafech 
  
• Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 
  

When the pandemic hit, Mercedes and Anastasia found themselves struggling with the weight of the world – teenage challenges, global uncertainty, and everyday stress. But instead of letting it consume them, they decided to focus on the small, good things like enjoying a treat, going for a walk, or sharing a laugh. Realizing they weren’t the only teens feeling overwhelmed, they launched Small Bits of Happiness, a social media project to spread positivity. What started as a simple family practice turned into a growing movement, reaching peers through quotes, funny videos, and uplifting messages. It all began with brainstorming in their dad’s office, jotting down ideas on a chalkboard, and taking small steps forward. Happiness doesn’t have to come from big, life-changing moments. Sometimes, it’s found in the little things we choose to notice every day.

Through their work with Small Bits of Happiness, Mercedes and Anastasia have discovered that one of the biggest challenges people face isn’t just finding happiness. It’s finding connection. Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky shared on their podcast that connection is one of the most powerful ways to boost happiness, yet a growing gap exists between parents and their teens. With screens, friends, and busy schedules in the mix, meaningful moments can slip away. That’s why they focus on offering simple, tangible ways for families to connect, knowing that even small efforts can make a big difference in how we feel every day. Happiness and connection go hand in hand. When we take the time to truly connect with others, we all feel a little brighter.

With life’s busy pace, it’s easy to overlook the little things that bring us joy. Mercedes and Anastasia remind us that happiness doesn’t have to come from big, life-changing moments. It can be as simple as getting enough sleep, listening to upbeat music, or soaking in a little sunlight. For Anastasia, happiness means sleeping in on weekends, playing feel-good music, and spending time with friends and family. Mercedes, on the other hand, finds joy in waking up early, listening to audiobooks, and letting natural light fill her space. Their message is clear – there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for happiness. It’s about discovering the small habits that work for you and making them a daily practice. Happiness isn’t a checklist. It’s about finding the little things that brighten your day and making space for them, one moment at a time.

Life can feel overwhelming with school, exams, and endless to-do lists but Mercedes and Anastasia share that happiness isn’t something we have to wait for. Instead of relying on big events like birthdays or vacations, we can find joy in the small, daily moments that are always within our reach. Whether it’s a quiet morning, a favorite song, or a small win, these little things add up to something powerful. By focusing on what we can control and appreciating what’s already around us, we can build a sense of happiness that lasts. Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s something we create in the moments of everyday life.

For Mercedes and Anastasia, balancing school, business, and everything in between can feel overwhelming, but finding a system that works makes all the difference. One key strategy is to stay organized – whether it’s using a daily agenda or breaking tasks into manageable chunks. For some, getting a head start in the morning and eliminating distractions, like putting the phone out of sight, helps to maintain focus. Creating a reward system can also make a big impact. Finish the task, then enjoy a break or some downtime. It’s about understanding your own rhythm and making it work for your goals. Success comes from staying organized, eliminating distractions, and finding a routine that allows for both productivity and balance.

Starting a business as a young entrepreneur is a journey full of surprises, and one of the biggest lessons Mercedes and Anastasia have learned is the importance of flexibility. What starts as a clear vision often evolves over time, requiring the ability to pivot and adapt. Entrepreneurs need to be open to change, constantly learning and adjusting as trends, clients, and goals shift. Support from mentors, family, and even business-focused programs can provide invaluable guidance along the way. Whether it’s reading, listening to podcasts, or attending events, staying inspired and connected to others in the entrepreneurial community plays a key role in growth. The road to success in business is full of twists and turns. Embrace change, stay open to learning, and lean on your support network.

Connecting with teens can be challenging but Mercedes and Anatasia talk about how shared experiences and open communication are key. One effective way to bond is by engaging in fun activities together, like their Mission: Small Bits of Happiness interactive game which contains 100 unique activities designed to foster happiness and connection. Also, instead of the typical “How was your day?” approach, parents can try something more relaxed, like asking their teen to choose an activity they enjoy, from art classes to a walk with the family pet. This helps create a natural environment for conversations to flow. It’s also important for parents to listen without immediately offering solutions or comparing their teen’s experiences to their own. Recognizing that the challenges teens face today are unique, shaped by social media and recent world events, can help foster deeper understanding and empathy. Building genuine connections with teens requires patience, shared experiences, and a willingness to listen without judgment.

Parenting a teen comes with the challenge of supporting their mental and emotional well-being while encouraging them to make a positive impact on the world. Every teen is different, but Mercedes and Anastasia talk about how the key is to approach them with empathy and non-judgment. It’s important to create a safe space where they feel heard, rather than judged or lectured. Open, honest conversations are essential, but it can help if parents ask their teens directly what they need to feel supported. Teens often struggle with loneliness as they navigate school, friendships, and future decisions, so offering reassurance that they’re not alone in their challenges can make a world of difference. By maintaining a curious mindset and learning from each other, parents can strengthen their connection with their teens and provide the support they need to thrive. Supporting teens means being there for them without judgment and showing them they’re not alone in their journey.

Mercedes and Anastasia started the Hack Your Happiness podcast to provide a space where teens could hear meaningful advice from top achievers they admire, like Olympic athletes, best-selling authors, and renowned chefs. The idea behind the podcast is to offer a fresh perspective on happiness and success from those who have been there, making it more relatable for teens who may struggle to take advice from parents or teachers. By asking questions that resonate with teens, Mercedes and Anastasia create a space where listeners can learn from real stories and experiences. Some standout guests have included Penny Oleksiak, a swimmer and Canada’s all-time most decorated Olympian and Meg Cabot, a #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Princess Diaries, sharing their journeys and offering inspiration for the next generation. Sometimes, the best advice comes from those who have walked the path you aspire to follow, and their stories can offer the insight and inspiration you need to find your own way to happiness and success.

Mercedes and Anastasia offer a wealth of resources on their website aimed at helping people find more happiness and connect with others. They’ve created fun tools like a game filled with 100 activities to boost joy for teens and adults, along with a simplified version for younger kids. They also offer a calendar with 365 mood-boosting ideas that can be used year after year, and a collection of clothing, jewelry, and candles designed to inspire positivity. Alongside their podcast, the website features a blog with teen advice, happiness science, and fun ways to improve mood, along with free daily content like quotes and videos. It’s the perfect place to find simple tools for creating a happier, more connected life.  By incorporating small, intentional actions into daily life, we can create a lasting impact on our happiness and relationships.

Mercedes and Anastasia are gearing up for an exciting 2025 as they expand their mission to spread happiness and connect with even more people. With new products in the works and an ongoing focus on their podcast, they’re eager to reach more teens, tweens, and adults with their positivity-driven tools. They’re also exploring partnerships with other organizations to amplify their impact and bring happiness to new spaces. While some of their upcoming plans are still under wraps, they’re full of anticipation for what’s to come and the ways they can continue to inspire joy and connection. The journey to spreading happiness is ever-evolving, and staying open to new opportunities can lead to exciting, unexpected ways to make a difference.

Mercedes and Anastasia both picked their mom as the teacher who has had the most lasting impact on them. Their mom has taught them the value of patience, hard work, and seeking happiness in the small moments. Through both challenges and triumphs, she’s been their rock, always showing them how important it is to care for and support others. Her ability to stay positive and encourage them to look for the good in every situation has shaped who they are today. The most impactful teachers aren’t always the ones in the classroom; sometimes, it’s the people closest to us who leave the greatest mark on our lives.

Mercedes and Anastasia are both incredibly proud of their journey with Small Bits of Happiness, celebrating every milestone, big and small. Anastasia reflects on the quiet hard work that’s now paying off, with their efforts making a significant difference in people’s lives. For Mercedes, a standout moment was signing with Embolden Media Group for her book, a dream come true after years of writing and taking part in writing competitions in school. These achievements mark the exciting momentum they’ve built, with both of them appreciating how far they’ve come and the energy they’re putting into the world. Success isn’t just about big moments. It’s also about celebrating the small victories and ongoing growth that can make all the difference on the path to achieving your dreams.

“Just try it, that’s all that matters.” ~ Anastasia Korngut

Mercedes and Anastasia share inspiring wisdom for anyone on a journey of teaching, learning, or personal growth. Anastasia emphasizes that while happiness is a journey of finding small joys every day, it’s important to remember that bad days are normal and part of the process. She encourages curiosity and the willingness to try new things, even if you’re unsure of the outcome. Mercedes reflects on a quote that has deeply impacted her: “Don’t be the one to tell yourself no.” She highlights how we often limit ourselves with self-doubt, and stresses the importance of believing in our abilities, pushing through the external and internal challenges that may arise. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Keep trying, stay curious, and always believe in your potential.

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.