More often than not, children are highly underestimated. Sure, they may lack life experience and wisdom, but they sure make up for it with plenty of passion, drive, and optimism. When aiming to become an entrepreneur, kids often possess some of the most important qualities.
In fact, some children have actually started their own businesses — and successful businesses at that. These children have incredible financial success stories, yet at the time, they hadn’t even completed middle school. What can they teach us about being successful?
5 incredible and influential child entrepreneurs
Without shows like Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank, many entrepreneurs wouldn’t have gotten their big break. In fact, these shows have encouraged your average, working-class individual to reach for the “American Dream.” The following five child entrepreneurs not only took a chance and followed their hearts, but have become highly successful in the process — here’s what we can learn from them.
Bee Sweet Lemonade — follow your passion
We all have our own unique story — that’s what makes us special. For some, certain elements of their life inspire them; whereas others encounter a problem and decide that they would like to create the solution. Behind every successful entrepreneur is passion, and without it, a business is tough to grow.
Mikaila Ulmer is an amazing young woman who has made it her mission to save the honeybees. After being stung at the young age of four, she became fascinated by honeybees and wanted to make a difference. So, what did she do? She took her great grandma’s flaxseed lemonade recipe, flavored each glass with local honey, started selling it, and then donated the profits in order to help save the dying bee population.
After receiving $60,000 on Shark Tank, there was no stopping this inspiring 11-year-old girl. She’s now a millionaire after Whole Foods picked up her brand, Bee Sweet Lemonade, for $11 million. She continues to give a portion of her profits to help save the bees — the passion that ultimately drove her towards success.
What is your passion? How can you convert that passion into a business? At the end of the day, passion is one of the greatest motivators out there, and without high levels of motivation, you may give up after the first challenging obstacle. When you truly believe in something, you can achieve your goals.
Rockstah Media — only you can stop yourself
At the age of 12, Farrhad Acidwalla realized that there wasn’t an online space dedicated to aviation, where enthusiasts could discuss their interest in aeromodelling. Instead of clicking the “x” on the webpage and brushing it off, he began his incredible journey. Teaching himself as he went, Farrhad was self-taught in web design and programming.
After selling his first website, he made the connection that he had something special — so he ventured into the world of online business. At the age of 16, he founded Rockstah Media, which is now worth approximately $4 million. He travels around the globe, giving speeches which often focus on one’s need to take action in business.
Farrhad teaches us that if you want to do something, you can do it. Far too many people do not allow themselves to venture out of their comfort zone — the only person in this life that can hold you back, is yourself. Today, there are so many resources available, so overcome your limitations and take action.
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Mo’s Bows — build and then delegate
Lovable Moziah Bridges first appeared on Shark Tank for his funky bow tie company. When he was really young, Mo couldn’t find any bow ties suitable for him — so what did he do? He plucked some vintage fabrics from his grandma’s closet and learned to make his own.
By the age of nine years old, he developed an online business. Today, his ties are sold in stores across the United States and he has become a fashion icon. What Mo understands is that even with his drive and level of passion, he can’t do it alone. While at school, his mom runs the business and he has hired seamstresses to keep up with orders.
As an adult, it can be hard to ask for help — fearful to lose control of each task. The truth is, there will always be duties to delegate to those willing to help. Build a team of people you trust and then learn to let go. If you try to do everything yourself, you may quickly drown in the chaos of needing to control everything.
Empower Orphans — you can make a difference
Neha Gupta had been traveling with her family to India from a young age — as a family tradition, they would bring gifts and food to orphans living in their hometown. At the incredible age of nine, Neha knew that she could do more. She began making homemade wine charms, selling them door-to-door and throughout her community.
The money made was then used to raise money for education and school books, helping cover expenses for orphans. Building her own nonprofit organization, Empower Orphans, Neha has raised well over a million, receiving a range of awards. She shows us that while becoming successful, you can impact others in a big way.
Leanna’s Essentials — failures can influence success
At the age of 11, Leanna Archer wanted to take the hair industry by storm, and nothing could stop her. After receiving so many compliments on her hair, she knew that her homemade products were something special. With her whole life ahead of her, she wasn’t afraid to fail. She took her family recipes and ran with it.
Today, she is a hair-care mogul, offering a full line of organic hair products, including butters, hair treatments, pomades, shampoos, and more. Facing small hiccups here and there, Leanna shows us that making mistakes is all part of becoming successful. With a net worth of approximately $5 million today, she continues to grow and develop her business, not letting the fear of failure hold her back.
As we grow up, we often suppress some of our most valuable traits — the ones children happily explore. If you have that true entrepreneurial spirit, be fearless, yet calculated in your decisions. These children had an idea and they didn’t let the constraints of life get in their way — believe in yourself and don’t allow fear to hold you back.
—Krista Hillis
Krista Hillis is passionate about nutrition, mental health, and sustainable practices. She has her Bachelors in Psychology and Neuroscience and is still active in her research. Studying both the body and mind, she focuses on natural health and balance. Krista enjoys writing based on her ability to inspire others and increase overall awareness.
Sources:
https://www.hourstimetracking.com/blog/category/work-office
http://coed.com/2016/04/01/mikaila-ulmer-bee-sweet-lemonade-whole-foods-deal-11-million-dollars-shark-tank-11-years-old-must-see-details