Author Archive for Naomi McNary

Nic Bianchi: Bianchi Candle Co.

Nic Bianchi started Bianchi Candle Co. when he was 12 years old. He received a candle making kit and used his love for math and science to create great smelling candles that are all-natural. Each candle is hand poured and made of all-natural soy wax that burns longer and cleaner. These features distinguish his company from all other candle companies. He did not stop there. He expanded the brand to sell diffusers, inspirational candles and luxury candles. There are multiple stores across the country, but they are all still handmade. Bianchi donates some of his earnings to various organizations like the American Cancer Society, Partnerships 4 Kids and the Angels Among Us Society.

Nic is a great example of finding a niche market using the things he loves.

Check out Bianchi Candle Co. here

Alina Morse: Zolli Candy

Sweet Success - DBusiness Magazine

 

Alina was only 7 years old when she had the idea for Zollipops. She was offered a lollipop when she went to run an errand with her father. Her father refused the offer and told Alina that candy would damage her teeth. This sparked the idea of inventing candy that not only tastes great, but is good for your teeth. She would watch YouTube videos on how to make candy and experiment in her kitchen. Her and her dad started making these lollipops that hit the shelves in 2014. This lollipop is vegan, all-natural, and sugar free. This turned into the making of her website Zolli Candy. She now sells her products in major retailers like Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger. Alina is a great example for what it looks like to see a problem and seek out a solution. No matter what age, inventions can be made!

Click here to view the Zolli Candy website

 

Lily Born: The Kangaroo Cup

Lily's Grandpa with his Kangaroo Cup

Lily Born is a great example of someone who sees a problem and seeks out the solution. At 7 years old, she noticed her grandpa knocking over and spilling drinks due to Parkinson’s disease. This led to her grandma constantly cleaning up after him. This inspired her to create a product called Kangaroo Cups. This cup consists of three legs that prevents it from tipping over. She made a prototype for her grandpa with plastic mold and a year later made one for her dad using ceramic. Lily and her dad traveled across the world to refine the models and find a manufacturer to get this product on the market. They got financial support from crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. She was listed as Business Insider’s top 11 year old in tech and Mochi’s “25 game changers under 25.” She has also made various headlines. Lily Born is now 16 years old and has sold tens of thousands of Kangaroo cups worldwide. Lily is not only an inspiration for her innovative idea, but for her determination despite being a timid young girl.

To learn more about Lily and her story click here

 

Lily working on the cup in China