Kidpreneurs are on the Rise in Atlanta!
Atlanta has become a bustling hub for entrepreneurship, and it seems like the city’s youngest residents are climbing the corporate ladder before even hitting the playground. With a healthy dose of creativity and a sprinkle of parental support, numerous kids in this vibrant city are igniting their entrepreneurial flames by starting their very own businesses!
Bow Ties and Big Dreams
Meet Treandos Thornton, a bright-eyed five-year-old whose head was filled with ideas after seeing his father’s fancy bow ties. Instead of playing outside or climbing trees, Treandos channeled his thoughts into a potential business idea. With the help of his mom, Shana Thornton, they hit the internet to figure out how to launch his own bow tie line.
Fast forward seven years, and Treandos is now the CEO of T&N Bow Ties and Apparel. His catalog features custom bow ties that come in a delightful mix of patterns for both kids and adults. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, his nine-year-old brother Noah serves as the president, proving that sibling teamwork can indeed bloom in the business world!
Lena Ford’s Crafty Business
Then there’s Lena Ford, who discovered her passion for crafting at the tender age of nine. Initially hesitant, Lena’s mom, Tressie, supported her budding entrepreneurial spirit by providing a small loan for her to kick off her crafting business named Positively Lena. Fast forward to today, and at just 15, Lena is selling adorable handmade crafts, ranging from keychains to a children’s book she wrote herself!
She shares, “I’ve had kids come up to me saying they want to start a business after hearing my story. That really makes me happy!” Despite facing challenges like others assuming it’s her mom’s business, Lena confidently asserts, “If my face is on the banner, you’d think they’d understand I’m the owner!”
Doll Dreams with Zoe Oli
At age six, Zoe Oli was unsure of herself because her hair didn’t match the more common straight hair she saw in school. Spurred by this experience and with encouragement from her mom, Evana, Zoe decided to take matters into her own hands by creating dolls that reflect the beauty of Black girls’ hair.
Now, Zoe’s company, Beautiful Curly Me, has blossomed into a successful venture, offering a range of beautiful dolls that celebrate diverse hairstyles. At just 12 years old, she’s already pitching her business ideas to major retailers like Target. “I was extremely nervous – but just seeing that they were interested made it exciting!”
Healthy Sips with Ethan Sanborn
If you think coffee is just for adults, think again! Meet eight-year-old Ethan Sanborn, who, along with his dad, invented Kiid Coffee, a tasty drink tailored for young kids. On a mission to create a caffeine-free drink packed with essential vitamins, Ethan helped develop flavors like “chocolate” and “caramel” that kids love!
Just like the other young entrepreneurs, Ethan is diving headfirst into the world of business. From taste testing to marketing videos, he’s getting hands-on experience that most kids only dream of. “I want to create something amazing!” he beams, “Whether it’s a flying car or a new science project.”
The Gift of Entrepreneurial Spirit
These children are not only learning valuable lessons about responsibility and teamwork but are also making their mark in the business world. From understanding the ins and outs of their respective industries to building confidence, these talented kids are shining bright as they make their way in the world.
So next time you’re in Atlanta, keep an eye out for these kidpreneurs and support their businesses. Who knows? You might just find the next big idea from a kid who’s aiming to climb the corporate ladder instead of climbing trees!
