Article Contributed by Kevin Schweizer
The business ideas of a few entrepreneurs have changed the culture of society since the beginning of time. For example, Mark Zuckerburg had a simple idea for a social media site called Facebook and now many facets of society and life can be connected to Facebook and its social platforms.
Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes but some of the most groundbreaking entrepreneurs of 2012 are some of the youngest we’ve ever seen. Take a look at four entrepreneurs who have been in business since the ages of 10 and have built businesses in industries from art to eco-friendly ecommerce.
Maddie Bradshaw
10 year old Maddie Bradshaw saw her locker in 5th grade and decided she’d like to decorate it in a unique way. Her search for cool locker magnets came up short and M3 Girl Designs was born. Now at the age of 16, this stylish young girl has created SNAP CAPS, interchangeable bottle caps that are used in accessorizing necklaces, bracelets, hair bows and keepers. Her company that began with $300 dollars now sells over 50,000 necklaces per month. Maddie has recently finished a book and continues to sell SNAP CAPS as she attends school.
Daniel Schlessinger
At the age of 12, Daniel was an Omaha resident who experienced dry skin in the Nebraskan winters. One day, on a whim, he decided to use lip balm as a way to protect his hands from dryness and cracking. It was through this whim that the idea for the company FixMySkin was born. At the age of 14, Daniel approached chemists and after 50 formulas, found the correct formula for skincare. Now at the age of 18, his company sells LovelySkin and FixMySkin balms with over $60,000 in yearly revenue.
Jeff Owen Hanson
Jeff Owen Hanson has a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis that results in visual impairment. It was while he was in the hospital for treatment for his condition that he discovered his love and talent for watercolor. At the age of 12, his artwork was abstract with bright colors and in his first year of painting, he sold over 5,000 watercolor note cards and rose over $15,000 for The Children’s Tumor Foundation. Jeff who is now 18 years old creates larger works of art through using acrylics and watercolors and donates proceeds to charities.
Jason Li
Used cell phones, tablets and other electronic devices have quickly become the fastest growing waste in the United States and to combat that waste, Jason created iRe Tron. In 2011, Jason received a $2,000 loan from his father to launch his breakthrough ecommerce business that provides an eco-friendly way to “throw away” old electronics. Jason’s online company buys back used electronics and restores them to be resold on the market or donated. Jason, who is in high school at the age of 15, says he’d like to make his company a million dollar business by the time he is in college.
It is through these young entrepreneurs that the future of business and society will grow. Beginning businesses at such a young age has lead these breakthrough business owners to be the next generation’s set of role models and leaders.
About the Author
Kevin Schweizer is the Online Marketing Manager for Phone.com, an internet-based company specializing in home and business phone, virtual office and virtual number services. When Kevin isn’t writing, he can be found watching the NFL and learning about medieval castles.