Forget lemonade stands, today’s young entrepreneurs are making apps, creating brands, and seeking investors before they can even vote!
Age is often likened to a speed limit sign that guides you, though not everyone adheres to it. Some of today’s most brilliant minds began building businesses long before most people finished high school, turning curiosity into fruitful endeavors. These young innovators didn’t wait for approval or perfect timing. They recognized a problem, found a solution, and took action. Here are some inspiring examples of how age really is just a number.
Aline Morse – Zolli Candy
At just 7 years old, Aline Morse was told that candy was unhealthy for her teeth. Instead of frowning, she raised a question that would transform her life: What if candy could actually help teeth? From that spark came ‘Zollipops,’ sugar-free, tooth-friendly candies that ultimately grew into “Zolli Candy,” a complete product line sold nationwide. Her “Million Smiles Initiative” donates frequently to schools, teaching children about oral health in the sweetest way possible.
Alphonse “Fonzi” Coleman – Bubbles & Blaze
At 14, Alphonse “Fonzi” Coleman started experimenting with candle-making, intending to create something both fashionable and eco-conscious. His business, “Bubbles & Blaze,” uses coconut soy wax and reusable concrete jars, a sustainable approach that’s made his goods popular online. He proves that success only requires vision and the will to follow through.
Moziah Bridges – Mo’s Bows
When Moziah Bridges couldn’t find a bow tie he liked, he made one himself at age 9. His business, “Mo’s Bows,” sells handmade ties in big stores and was even featured on Shark Tank. Under the guidance of mentor Daymond John, Moziah turned his hobby into a worldwide brand and even made bow ties for the NBA! He reminds young dreamers that style and confidence are a powerful combo.
Joosep Seitam – Icecartel
University student Joosep Seitam co-founded “Icecartel,” a men’s jewelry business redefining masculinity with bold, minimalist design. The company grew fast thanks to innovative social media marketing and customer-focused branding, generating six-figure incomes. His story shows that fashion’s future belongs to those prepared to blend creativity with digital expertise.
Mikaila Ulmer – Me & the Bees Lemonade
Being stung by a bee at four years old would cause most children to avoid hives. Little Mikaila, however, learned about their significance to the ecosystem and grew motivated to help the little stingers. Combining her great-grandmother’s flaxseed lemonade recipe with honey, she started “Me & the Bees Lemonade”. Mikaila’s products are now sold in major stores, with 10% of returns supporting bee conservation. Her blend of kindness and business sense is proof that purpose can generate significant profits.
Andrew Glantz – GiftAMeal
At 20, Andrew Glantz created “GiftAMeal,” an app that converts restaurant pictures into meals for people experiencing poverty. For every photo uploaded, partner restaurants donate to local food banks. With millions of meals, Glantz’s concept has changed dining out into a small act of kindness. Its blend of innovation with kindness is a reminder that thriving businesses can do good, too!
Grace Leger – Elite Massage & Injury Rehab
After sustaining injuries as a runner, Grace Leger made recovery her profession. By 20, she had earned her massage license and started “Elite Massage & Injury Rehab”. Her clinic emphasizes rehabilitation and education, demonstrating that entrepreneurship isn’t always about technology – sometimes, it’s about recovery.
Bunim Laskin – Swimply
During a hot summer, Bunim Laskin noticed that while families were yearning for a swim, private pools remained unused. At 19, he launched “Swimply,” the Airbnb for pools. The concept became popular, attracting significant financial support and global expansion. This savvy young man’s tale serves as a master class in spotting an opportunity and seizing it.
Rachel Zietz – Gladiator Lacrosse
At 13, Rachel Zietz was frustrated with the poor-quality lacrosse equipment available, so she made something better. “Gladiator Lacrosse” soon became one of the best youth sports equipment brands in America. She later appeared on Shark Tank and turned her teenage vexation into a flourishing business. Her story shows that innovation often begins where passion meets persistence.
Esan Durrani – StudyFetch
At 20, Esan Durrani helped create “StudyFetch,” an AI-powered platform that transforms how students learn. Today, the tool is used by schools and universities worldwide. By pairing technology with education, he’s giving learners new methods to engage.
Zach Yadegari – Cal AI
Zach Yadegari studied coding at age 7. By high school, he was a co-founder of “Cal AI,” an image-recognition-based nutrition-tracking program with millions of users. When curiosity meets code, age is just a number, and there’s no better proof of that than Zach!
Archika Dogra – Innoverge
While still in high school, Archika Dogra started “Innoverge,” a nonprofit offering free STEM and humanities programs for underrepresented youth. Her organization has helped thousands across many countries, exhibiting that leadership and empathy frequently bloom early. Archika’s vision combines education, equity, and empowerment.
Cory Nieves – Mr. Cory’s Cookies
When he was just 6, Cory Nieves began selling hot cocoa to help his mother raise money to buy a car. That small idea developed into “Mr. Cory’s Cookies,” an all-natural treats business that has partnered with major companies. Cory’s touching story proves that kindness, hard work, and a good recipe can take you far.
Redefining the Term “Too Young”
If these entrepreneurs teach us anything, it’s that youth isn’t a barrier, but a strength. Younger entrepreneurs bring inquisitiveness, a high tolerance for risk, and a high level of digital fluency. Experience is essential, but energy, fresh thinking, and flexibility make up for its lack— and then some more.
Age doesn’t define talent, creativity, or courage. It simply indicates how long you’ve had to identify your strengths.
Common Features These Entrepreneurs Share
Despite working in diverse fields, these entrepreneurs share common DNA:
- Problem-solving attitude: Each started by identifying something broken or missing. They solved issues adults frequently ignore.
- Having Early beginnings: Starting young gives more time to fail, learn, and grow.
- Having Support networks: Family support, online communities, and mentors assisted them in achieving their dreams faster.
- Picking Purpose over profit: Whether saving bees or feeding people, their concepts serve something greater. Purpose fuels determination when profit takes time.
Conclusion
These young entrepreneurs show that passion has no minimum age requirement. Whether it’s candy, tech, or education, their concepts started with a simple mission to find a solution. They remind us that courage determines success, rather than experience.
Here’s to the dreamers below 30, and the dreamers of any age, who refuse to wait for approval. Because when passion meets determination, age truly does become just a number!
