Young entrepreneurs are reshaping the future with creativity and purpose.
Every generation has its share of remarkable young entrepreneurs who disrupt norms and create waves in the business world. From the agricultural innovations of Eliza Lucas Pinckney in the 1800s to the tech revolution led by Steve Jobs, history is rich with stories of youthful visionaries. Today, we stand at the forefront of a new entrepreneurial era, driven by Generation Z—those born between 1997 and 2012. This tech-savvy, socially conscious generation is not just dreaming about the future; they are actively shaping it.
In an age where information is at our fingertips, these young leaders are finding innovative ways to forge their paths and leave a mark on the world. They’re not just starting businesses; they’re addressing societal issues, championing inclusivity, and redefining what success looks like. The stories of these young entrepreneurs are not just inspiring—they’re a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and purpose.
Meet a group of ten extraordinary young innovators from the U.S., India, and the U.K., who are navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship with grit and determination. Their journeys reveal that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. From launching eco-friendly initiatives to creating products that represent marginalized communities, these entrepreneurs are not only building successful businesses but also inspiring their peers to do the same.
As we delve into their stories, let’s uncover the key lessons they impart, illustrating that with passion and persistence, anyone can become a catalyst for change in their community and beyond. Each of these young trailblazers demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it’s about purpose, innovation, and the courage to dream big.
Breaking Barriers: Young Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Change
1. Kamaria Warren: A Voice for Diversity
Imagine being just seven years old and realizing that the birthday invitations on the market didn’t reflect you or your friends. That’s exactly what happened to Kamaria Warren. Frustrated by the lack of representation, she teamed up with her graphic designer mom to launch Brown Girls Stationery. This vibrant brand offers a range of products featuring illustrations of Brown and Black girls, celebrating diversity and empowering young girls to embrace their identity.
Kamaria’s products include party supplies, notebooks, and vegan purses, with an average sale of 10,000 notebooks and 2,500 notepads each year. She emphasizes the importance of self-identity, saying, “Seeing other girls wear my stuff and being proud of who they are is what motivates me.” Her motto? “Dear Brown girl, you have the ability to change the world.” Talk about a powerful message!
2. Ryan Hickman: The Recycling Champion
At three, Ryan Hickman couldn’t stand the sight of litter. Instead of just complaining, he took action. He started collecting recyclables from his family and neighbors, turning a simple act into a thriving business—Ryan’s Recycling Company. By age seven, he was running a full-fledged operation and had even raised over $14,000 for marine conservation efforts through his nonprofit, Project 3R.
Ryan has been featured on numerous national platforms, including CNN and “Ellen,” where he shares his mission to educate others about recycling. He believes that small actions can lead to significant changes: “If a kid like me can make a difference, anyone can.” A true hero for the planet!
3. Lily Born: The Innovator
Lily Born was just eight when she noticed her grandfather spilling drinks due to Parkinson’s disease. Instead of feeling powerless, she invented the Kangaroo Cup, a three-legged cup designed to prevent spills. With support from her dad, she traveled to China to perfect her creation.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Lily’s cups have sold tens of thousands worldwide. She didn’t stop at just creating a product; she also actively engages in workshops to inspire other young inventors, proving that even young minds can solve real-world problems with creativity and determination.
4. Kiki Hardee: A Heart of Gold
At just five years old, Katelynn “Kiki” Hardee learned about school lunch debt affecting her classmates and felt compelled to act. She launched Kiki’s Kindness Project, selling cookies and hot cocoa to raise funds. Her efforts not only eliminated over $7,000 in lunch debt but also inspired other children to get involved.
Kiki’s project has grown, raising more than $22,000 to support families in need, and she encourages her peers to find ways to help others. “We can all make a difference, no matter how small we are,” she says. Her heart of gold shows us that compassion can truly change lives.
5. Michael ‘Mikey’ Wren: The Financial Literacy Advocate
Mikey Wren started his entrepreneurial journey at eight with Mikey’s Munchies Vending, but his passion for community service didn’t stop there. He actively teaches financial literacy through his engaging books and has hosted events aimed at educating young people about money management.
Mikey has also contributed significantly to his community by organizing toy drives and donating thousands of dollars’ worth of clothing to local youth. His motto is, “Knowledge is power,” and he believes in empowering others to understand finance. Mikey’s story reminds us that business and giving back can go hand in hand.
6. Moziah Bridges: The Bowtie Boss
When nine-year-old Moziah Bridges couldn’t find a bowtie that matched his style, he took matters into his own hands. He learned to sew and launched Mo’s Bows, a line of colorful, handmade bowties. His appearance on Shark Tank skyrocketed his business, leading to over $700,000 in sales.
Moziah has dressed celebrities, including President Obama, gifting him a custom tie in “Obama Blue.” Beyond fashion, he founded a scholarship fund to help send Memphis children to summer camp. “Style is important, but kindness and giving back are even more important,” he emphasizes.
7. Vinusha MK: The Culinary Trailblazer
In Chennai, India, Vinusha MK discovered her love for baking while preparing a birthday cake for her mom. After a few early mishaps, she launched Four Seasons Pastry, specializing in seasonal flavors and delicious baked goods.
But Vinusha didn’t stop there; she dreams of opening a culinary school for low-income individuals to help them gain skills and improve their lives. While working as an intern under famous chefs, she also sells baking kits to help kids learn how to bake without needing the internet. Her journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, blending passion with purpose and the desire to uplift her community.
8. Mia Monzidelis: The Creative Dreamer
When Mia Monzidelis asked for a pony at five, her parents said it wasn’t possible in their suburban home. Undeterred, she invented Power Pony, an interactive mechanical toy that allows kids to experience the joy of riding without the challenges of a real horse.
With her dad’s encouragement, Mia refined her concept and launched her company, which has now expanded to include 15 employees and 12 volunteers. During the 2021 holiday season, her company sold 5,000 units and donated $5,000 to support families in need. “Helping kids that are sick or need help is my greatest joy,” she says.
9. Fraser Doherty: The Jam Sensation
At the age of 14, Fraser Doherty began making jams using his grandmother’s recipes. Selling them door-to-door in Edinburgh led to the creation of SuperJam, which quickly gained popularity. He has since expanded his brand to several countries, including Korea and Japan, where he once sold £1 million worth of merchandise in just one hour!
Fraser’s success caught the attention of major supermarkets, and he received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to business. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he also hosts free tea parties for seniors, fostering community connections. His journey shows that passion and perseverance can turn a simple idea into a thriving enterprise.
10. Hart Main: The Candle Innovator
At 13, Hart Main turned a playful jab at his sister’s girly candles into a successful business. He launched ManCans, featuring masculine scents like Campfire and Bacon, all packaged in soup cans. Hart’s innovative approach has led to sales exceeding six figures annually, with products sold in every state.
Beyond profit, Hart is committed to giving back, donating a portion of his earnings to local soup kitchens. “It’s about creating something unique while also making a positive impact,” he says. His story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can be both fun and meaningful, bringing joy while contributing to the community.
The Spirit of Young Entrepreneurship
These ten young entrepreneurs prove that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. Each story reflects a unique blend of creativity, resilience, and compassion, showcasing how they’ve turned their dreams into reality.
How to Start Your Journey
If you’re a young aspiring entrepreneur, take a moment to reflect on the challenges around you. Think about solutions you could offer and gather resources to turn your ideas into reality. Start small—whether it’s a lemonade stand or an online store. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from mentors or adults who can guide you. Remember, every failure is just a stepping stone to success!
Here are some key lessons we can learn from these inspiring young entrepreneurs:
1. Identify Problems and Create Solutions
- Lesson: Like Kamaria Warren and Ryan Hickman, recognize issues in your community and brainstorm solutions. This proactive approach can lead to innovative business ideas.
2. Embrace Your Unique Perspective
- Lesson: Each entrepreneur found inspiration in their own experiences. Embrace your individuality and use it to fuel your creativity, just as Moziah Bridges did with his fashion sense.
3. Start Small and Scale Up
- Lesson: Many of these young entrepreneurs began with small projects, like selling cookies or jam. Starting small allows for manageable risks and the opportunity to learn and grow before scaling up.
4. Leverage Support Systems
- Lesson: From parents to mentors, support is crucial. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and collaboration, as seen in Lily Born’s journey with her father and Mia Monzidelis’s dad.
5. Prioritize Giving Back
- Lesson: Many young entrepreneurs, like Kiki Hardee and Hart Main, integrate philanthropy into their business models. Find ways to give back to your community, as this can enrich your business’s mission.
6. Learn from Failure
- Lesson: Mistakes are part of the entrepreneurial journey. Vinusha MK initially struggled with baking but persevered. Embrace failures as learning opportunities.
7. Stay Passionate and Persistent
- Lesson: Passion drives success. Whether it’s Fraser Doherty’s jam-making or Mikey Wren’s financial literacy efforts, staying passionate about your mission can help overcome obstacles.
8. Use Creativity to Innovate
- Lesson: Many entrepreneurs found unique angles for their products, like Hart Main’s ManCans or Mia Monzidelis’s Power Pony. Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to innovate.
9. Educate and Empower Others
- Lesson: Sharing knowledge, like Mikey Wren’s financial literacy teachings, helps build a community of informed individuals. Empower others through education.
10. Set Clear Goals
- Lesson: Each entrepreneur had specific goals, whether it was raising money for school lunches or starting a culinary school. Setting clear, actionable goals helps maintain focus and direction.
A Bright Future Ahead
As we celebrate these inspiring young minds, it’s clear that the future of entrepreneurship is vibrant and full of potential. With their innovative ideas and relentless determination, this generation is not just imagining a better world—they’re building it. So whether you’re a young entrepreneur or simply someone looking to make a positive impact, take that first step today. Your journey starts now!
