Archive for Young Entrepreneur – Page 2

Children of Passion – Pocketti Plushies – Sydney and Toni Loew

Meet Sydney and Toni Loew, two sisters whose lives changed right in Middle School. Their product was inspired by an entrepreneur class Syndey had in 7th grade, which allowed her to write out a business, even create a prototype, and then she got to pitch the idea. Her target was 11-14 year old kids, so she chose to go down the toy route, where she created her business, Pocketti Plushies! She wanted something that would differ from other plushies, and decided to add something functional to the plushie by giving it a pocket to hold a phone in. Because her product did so well, she was able to get her plushies launched into a business.

With a rocketing business, Sydney and her sister Toni began their career, creating unique plushies, with powers as they called it. Each plushie was uniquely designed and made with different personalities. They were able to attend several sales events and create television commercials, as well being able to pitch their ideas to schools. They were also awarded several prizes such as Wonder Girls by Women in Toys in 2016.  They were also able to get Walmart as a client!

While their business is run by them and their mother, they also attended school. Sydney is now a graphic designer intern at Disney’s Yellow Shoes internal advertising agency. While her sister goes to USC’s Thornton School of Music, where she is in two music bands! Their love for all things creative is truly inspirational as they continue to grow their business across the world.

Despite their successes, even they have had rejections. They participated on Shark Tank 3 times and got a no each time, but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing their business!

With their creativity and passion for innovation, they have created a business they hope to grow across the world. For now, we can appreciate how young these girls were when they began their journey, representing that even in Middle School, anything can be done if you put your mind to it. Success isn’t defined by the number of statistics, but by the satisfaction it gives to the customers and to you.

Riya Karumanchi: Founder and CEO of Smart Cane

Riya Karumanchi was only 15 years old when she came up with an idea to revolutionize technology to improve the well-being of visually impaired individuals. One day while visiting a friend’s house, Riya was introduced to her friend’s visually impaired grandmother. She empathized with the woman as she struggled to navigate and move throughout her home. Riya didn’t understand how over the years, the traditional white cane that aids in guiding the visually impaired, hadn’t been replaced by newer technology. She recognized the massive effect that technological advancements have on a society and the people living in it but did not believe changes in tech were being distributed equally in all communities. She came up with an idea to apply that to the standard white canes. Her idea was to integrate technology to the white cane by adding ultrasonic sensors that work to identify objects on the ground that may not have been detected before. This new device, the Smart Cane, is able to detect obstacles that may be in one’s path and alert the user of their location with vibrations. Another feature of the Smart Cane includes a GPS navigation system which helps the user to travel safely and efficiently. This is also made possible by the use of vibrations: One buzz to turn left, and two buzzes to turn right.

Riya’s innovative idea had proved a success. Smart Cane had initial funding from many large companies such as Microsoft, Arrow Electronics, and Inertia Engineering. She raised over $85,000 in funding. Next her attention will turn to user testing. Riya recognized the importance of input from the prospective users themselves. She met with the visually impaired community and listened to the problems they encountered with the standard white cane. She then came up with innovation solutions and developed the Smart Cane. Smart Cane’s mission, she says, is to empower the visually impaired and create for them a better, safer way of living. “Instead of [building] a company that has a valuation of a billion dollars, it’s the person that can impact a billion people,” she explains. “It’s ambitious, but that’s my goal.”

To learn more about Riya Karumanchi and Smart Cane, click here.

Chris Bumstead: Bodybuilding Redefined

(LEFT SIDE – Arnold Schwarzenegger, RIGHT SIDE – Chris Bumstead)

Born in 1995, Chris Bumstead, better known as “CBum,” is a Canadian bodybuilder and social media influencer who has quickly become one of the most recognized figures in the fitness world. Best known for winning the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title four consecutive times (2019–2023), Bumstead has solidified his position at the top of the bodybuilding elite. Starting his competitive journey at just 19, his natural talent and relentless dedication quickly set him apart, earning him comparisons to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Like Arnold, however, CBum’s influence extends far beyond the bodybuilding stage.

Fitness is a notoriously difficult industry to breakthrough. The competition is high with established and professional athletes with pre-existing followings. Specialized diets, supplements, training programs, and competition fees can create financial barriers for aspiring bodybuilders. Slow physical progress, hormonal fluctuations, and mental barriers can all hinder one’s success. Bumstead has overcome all this and more. Not only has he attained a physique to be desired by sedentary and active people alike, but he’s also successfully translated his fame into multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He launched Bum Energy, a sports and energy drink company, and co-founded Raw Nutrition, a supplement brand focused on high-quality performance and recovery products. His partnerships with popular brands like Gymshark, Vaughn’s Treats, and Revive MD reflect his hands-on approach, ensuring that the products he endorses align with his values of transparency and quality in fitness.

In addition to his business endeavors, CBum is also a massive force on social media. With nearly 5 million followers on TikTok and over 24 million on Instagram, he’s one of the most influential fitness personalities online. He connects with his audience by sharing workout routines, nutrition advice, and personal insights into his life. Bumstead has been open about his struggles with mental health and his battle with IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease, further endearing him to fans for his vulnerability and authenticity. Bumstead’s combination of physical achievements, business ventures, and online transparency has made him a fitness icon. By redefining what it means to be a bodybuilder in today’s world, Chris Bumstead has inspired millions to pursue fitness.

Mirrorless Apparel – Christ Centered Small Business

Mirrorless Apparel is making waves in the fashion industry with its unique blend of style and faith. Founded by a remarkably young and visionary entrepreneur, Mirrorless Apparel stands out not just for its trendy clothing but for its commitment to Christian values. The CEO, barely in his twenties at Texas A&M University, embarked on this journey with a clear mission: to create a brand that reflects his faith and inspires others.

His choice to establish a Christian company stems from a deep desire to integrate his beliefs into every aspect of his business. He believes that fashion can be a powerful medium to express one’s faith and values, and Mirrorless Apparel embodies this by offering clothing that carries positive, faith-based messages. This approach not only sets the brand apart in a crowded market but also resonates with customers who share similar values. The sneakers have Psalm 23 written on them all over the shoe in different areas and come in pink, black, white, blue and red, appealing to all ages of consumers.

Through Mirrorless Apparel, the young CEO aims to make a positive impact on society, demonstrating that business and faith can go hand in hand. His story is a testament to the power of youthful ambition and the importance of staying true to one’s principles, making Mirrorless Apparel a brand to watch in the coming years.

As someone who has a pair of these shoes, they are a great way to proudly wear your faith and start a conversation with someone at any point in your life.

 

Image result for mirroless papreale shoes

https://mirrorlessapparel.com/

– Reagan Thomas

Bella Tipping- Child Founder of Kidzcationz

The young Australian, Bella Tipping, was only 12 years old when she had the idea to create Kidzcationz. After going on a vacation that her parents enjoyed but she did not, she wanted to find a way that allowed kids to have an input on the activities and plans throughout a vacation as well. The idea is very similar to the well-known apps, Trip Advisor and Expedia, except it is intended for kids. Kids could now rate hotels, restaurants, vacation destinations etc., for other children their ages to see. It was clear Bella was very thoughtful in creating her company; she made a way for kids to review and rate destinations without having to provide any personal information and for their accounts to show avatars instead of profile photos. Her parents helped support their daughter, Bella, by investing 80,000 Australian dollars (roughly 55,000 US dollars) in her business. However, Bella would have to prove her dedication to not just her parents who were providing a generous amount of money but to other investors as well. One of the main concerns with Kidzcationz was security for the young users on this app. She had to make sure this would be a safe and enjoyable experience for kids. Bella attended many meetings which required a great deal of traveling but with the support of her parents and the persistence in reaching her goal, her business became a success. Her words were, “If you can think it, you can do it.” That is exactly was Bella did. Since then, Bella has been named in 18 under 18 of Fortune Magazine, earned the Won Young Citizen of the Year, and was even invited to a dinner with Present Obama in 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Bella is an inspiration to both young and old entrepreneurs. Her passion and persistence serve as a good reminder that success does not happen overnight but with hard work and dedication, it is always attainable.

To visit Kidzcationz.com click here.

Kane Parsons, a Filmmaker Fresh out of High School

A pair of images, one showing Kane Parsons, a young man. The other showing the original Backrooms image of a hall with its musty old carpet and aging wallpaper.

Kane Parsons and the original Backrooms photograph.

Kane Parsons is an online filmmaker and visual effects artist who has received viral attention for his horror short films. His most popular work is a series called The Backrooms. Parsons, who goes by Kane Pixels online, released the first installment in his Backrooms series when he was sixteen years old. The nine minute short film which was uploaded to YouTube in 2022 takes place in an unnatural, lonely setting. The protagonist wanders endless, maze-like yellow hallways rendered in vivid detail with the 3D animation software Blender. This protagonist, whose handheld camera serves as our viewpoint for the film, entered this strange world by falling straight through the solid ground beneath him and into a place disconnected from our reality. In the days following the suspenseful short’s release, it would become highly popular in several online spaces. It was inspired by a post on a message board from 2019, one which described the original concept of the endless Backrooms, and featured the iconic photograph most associated with the uncanny dimension. The series expanded on the concepts first established in that post, and would only receive more notoriety as it went on, trending with each new entry in its ongoing narrative. As Kane Parsons continued to thoughtfully produce the visuals of the films, he grew more and more ambitious. The digital sets only became larger and more detailed, and later entries would use advanced motion capture techniques to make characters’ movements as realistic as possible.

All of the impressive work that Parsons was doing got him the attention of more than just online horror fans. The independent movie studio A24 has chosen to adapt his series into a feature film. Kane Parsons will direct the film, and it is to be written by Robert Patino, a producer and writer whose previous work includes the HBO series Westworld. While simultaneously completing high school, Parsons was able to build a unique online identity and inspire others with his fresh take on the found footage horror subgenre. He is quoted by ABC News as saying, “I just love doing this, I somehow almost never burn out. And I think that’s partially because of how much people love this series. It just feels like everything I do has value.”

I can say personally that the stories Kane Pixels has created have fascinated and transfixed me. I am reminded, as I climb to the third floor of a furniture store, of those windowless carpeted halls. I find myself wondering, “What would I do if I found myself in an infinite IKEA, or an endless airport?” The success of The Backrooms has shown me that if an idea intrigues me and has the sticking power to hold in my brain, it is likely that other people will have similar reactions to it. If I can unearth a novel idea and put in the time and effort to build upon it, I can make something people will care about.

 

Sources:

https://www.wired.com/story/what-are-the-backrooms/

https://abcnews.go.com/US/backrooms-horror-storytelling-online/story?id=92623707

https://deadline.com/2023/02/the-backrooms-a24-developing-feature-based-on-viral-horror-shorts-1235249413/

https://www.youtube.com/@kanepixels

Hart Main of Man Cans

Candles are great; everybody loves them, but that has not always been the case for everyone. For the longest time, candles have been something considered only to be enjoyed by girls. However, when a young man named Hart Main made fun of his sister for liking “girly candles”, something changed in his mind that would change his life forever…

When he was just 13 years old, Hart started his own business in an effort to save up for a $1,200 bike, but the business became so much more than he could have ever imagined. After poking fun at his sister, saying that candles were meant for girls only, he came up with the idea to create his own scents that would appeal to a more masculine audience. So, Hart created his own candles with scents such as campfire, bacon, fresh-cut grass, grandpa’s pipe, and more. With a little help from his parents, he created his candles using soup cans, and decided to name his business ManCans, a rather clever play on words that perfectly conveys the company message. Although things started small, with most of the customer base being friends and family, Main began to see some rapid growth in his business endeavor. He began distributing to local stores in Ohio, and now sells his candles in over 150 stores across the country.

The business now grosses over $200,000 annually, and Hart went off to college to study economics at Kent State. Mr. Main also gives back to the community by donating a portion of his profits to local soup kitchens. He even donates soup cans to the local kitchens as well, which interestingly ties into his business model quite nicely!

Hart Main says he is grateful for everything he has learned in this entrepreneurial endeavor, and is excited to see how he can apply it to his life in the future.

MinorMynas, How A 10-Year-Old Girl Changed the Learning Curve

10-year-old CEO Hillary Yip is from Hong Kong, China. Because of her age, she is known as the youngest CEO in the world. She started a company to help other children her age who struggle with learning Mandarin. Like many fabulous entrepreneurs before her, Hillary Yip saw a problem, and decided that she was going to fix it. Hillary is exemplary because most ten-year-olds who noticed the problem she discovered would have just complained to their parents.  Or perhaps if they were ambitious, they would have started tutoring their close friends. Most children her age are consumed by themselves, but Hillary was interested in so much more than that. She founded MinorMynas, a company that helps students learn languages.

Although platforms like this exist already, what sets MinorMynas apart from the competition, is that the students help each other learn the new language. She saw her peers struggle with learning a second language, but also with learning the culture that goes along with that language. When it comes to learning a language, sometimes the best practice is simply diving into conversations with someone who is fluent. Hillary’s online platform focuses on educating children, however she doesn’t want to stop there. Not only has she reached students from more than 60 countries, but she is also interested in educating the older generations.

Hillary has been very successful throughout this process, being recognized as a stellar young entrepreneur by the AIA in 2015 when she was given the Emerging Entrepreneur Award. Her company has gotten successful media coverage, as she was seen on programs such as BBC and South China Morning Post. She is clearly interested in the growth of her business and the education of those surrounding her. Even at her young age she has been very successful and inspirational with her business venture.

Lily Born – A Girl with a Big Heart and Big Imagination


 

 

 

          “If I can do it, other people can do it, too.” – Lily Born

When she was in 1st grade, Lily Born was taking care of her elderly grandfather, who had Parkinson’s disease. Because of his condition, every time he would try and pick up a cup of water to drink, it would spill because of his shaky hands. This struggle with an everyday task caused Lily to think outside the box. She wanted to create a cup that would be easier for her grandpa to use.

Because his greatest struggle was setting the cup back down, Lily knew that she needed to design something that would be stable. After sketching out a few options, she decided that a cup with legs coming off would be a fun and simple cup for her grandpa, and she got to work on a physical model of what she was envisioning. Lily creatively took an ordinary cup from her kitchen and used moldable plastic to make her first prototype. She took it to her grandpa, and he loved it! He used it for many months and Lily was overjoyed at what she created and the way it was making a difference in his life.

When Lily’s dad saw the impact her cup had on her grandfather, he brought to her attention the idea of turning it into an actual product. She decided to give it a shot and traveled all the way to China to find someone who would create a ceramic form of her cup. Not long after Lily came back with her product, she was able to launch her website, Imagiroo, to sell her “Kangaroo Cups” and tell of her business journey.

To this day, plastic Kangaroo cups are being sold online in many colors, and Lily is inspiring young people across the country. She has spoken on many stages to inspire other entrepreneurs, made it into the White House science fair, and was recognized as a CNN Hero.

Lily is an inspiration to all, and she hopes kids believe they can invent things that will make a difference in the world just as she did. She even said in an interview, “I want teenagers and kids to know they can have the experience I did,” and that is incredibly encouraging as someone who is curious about innovating myself. Who knows what she will go on to invent next and who she will inspire like me!

 

 

Sarkis Hakopdjanian with The Business Clinic

Sarkis Hakopdjanian has a wide range of knowledge. He started in a Bachelor of Science program in order to go to medical school and then switched to a business major and completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Entering the corporate world, Sarkis was educated and trained in marketing, management, and sales in a financial services company. After ten years in business, he was injured and took time to recover, simultaneously enrolling in the psychology program at a university to study human behavior. Fascinatingly, Sarkis took the combined knowledge of all of these areas—science and medicine, business, and psychology—and founded The Business Clinic with the mash-up of practices. The Business Clinic is a business and marketing consulting agency that supports health practitioners. This concept is innovative; it is the only business and marketing consulting agency that is geared toward the health in wellness industry in all of Alberta, Canada. Sarkis Hakopdjanian continues to learn an extensive range of concepts. He has read about the experiences and knowledge of other entrepreneurs in books and articles, reads a scientific paper in a field that he has not yet explored each week. He is subscribed to courses that provide information from numerous expert sources about new developments in business and marketing. Even the book that he recommends is a book that is comprised of many essays by leaders in various areas of study. Sarkis clearly values the intake and synthesis of knowledge, and he is able to put some of his knowledge to use in his business. He demonstrates the value of learning both in school and on his own.