Throughout history, young entrepreneurs have left their marks on the world, from Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s agricultural achievements in the 1800s to Steve Jobs revolutionizing technology in the late 1900s. Now, it’s Generation Z’s turn. Born between 1997 and 2012, these young minds are innovating in ways that bring their passions to life while making a positive impact. Here’s a look at some of the most promising young entrepreneurs from the U.S., India, and the U.K.
Key Insights:
- Young entrepreneurs are children and young adults who identify opportunities to start and manage businesses.
- Kamaria Warren launched a line of products that celebrate girls of color, including stationery and accessories.
- At just three years old, Ryan Hickman started collecting recyclables, which later turned into his own recycling business.
- Mikey Wren teaches kids about financial literacy and has published two books on the topic.
- Vinusha MK, a talented baker from India, founded Four Seasons Pastry and dreams of creating a cooking school for underserved communities.
Meet 10 Young Entrepreneurs Who Are Leading by Example
According to Investopedia’s Survey, Generation Z adults (ages 18–25) are financially more savvy than previous generations at their age. Many young entrepreneurs began even earlier, driven by curiosity, family influence, or simply a desire to solve problems. Let’s dive into some standout stories from this new wave of business leaders.
Hart Main
At 13, Hart Main turned a teasing comment into a business idea. When he joked about his sister’s scented candles being too “girly,” he was inspired to create ManCans—candles with rugged, masculine scents. In partnership with his family, Hart invested modestly to start the business, crafting scents like Campfire, Sawdust, and Grandpa’s Pipe, all poured into recycled soup cans. Today, ManCans are crafted by Beaver Creek Candle Company, employing individuals with developmental challenges. With sales in every U.S. state, Hart’s annual earnings are well into six figures, and a portion of proceeds supports local soup kitchens across multiple states.
Kamaria Warren
At age seven, Kamaria Warren was disappointed by the lack of birthday party supplies that celebrated girls of color. This led her to create Brown Girls Stationery, a line of cheerful, inclusive products like notebooks, bags, and accessories featuring positive images of Brown and Black girls. Today, Kamaria’s products are available on platforms like Shopify and Faire, where she reaches thousands of customers annually. Her motivation is simple yet powerful: helping young girls embrace their identities proudly.
Ryan Hickman
When he was just three, Ryan Hickman was bothered by the sight of littered bottles and cans. This sparked his recycling journey, which began with collecting recyclables from family and neighbors, and eventually led to the creation of Ryan’s Recycling Company in Orange County, California. Recognized nationwide, Ryan’s mission to clean up the planet has attracted media attention and even led to his nonprofit, Project 3R, dedicated to educating communities about recycling and organizing cleanups.
Lily Born
At eight years old, Lily Born noticed her grandfather, who had Parkinson’s, often spilled drinks, leaving her grandmother to clean up. In response, she designed a spill-resistant three-legged cup, now known as the Kangaroo Cup. With support from her dad, Lily refined her prototype in China and gained financial backing through Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Today, her Kangaroo Cup is sold worldwide, an example of how children’s observations can lead to impactful solutions.
Katelynn “Kiki” Hardee
Driven by empathy, Kiki Hardee set out to eliminate school lunch debt in her California school district. She learned that some of her peers couldn’t afford lunch, and she began raising money through Kiki’s Kindness Project by selling cookies and hot cocoa. To date, Kiki has raised over $22,000, helping her community and inspiring others to look out for those in need.
Michael “Mikey” Wren
Michael Wren from St. Louis, Missouri, launched Mikey’s Munchies Vending at the age of eight. His vending business was just the beginning; today, he shares his financial knowledge with others, having written two children’s books on business basics. Mikey also contributes to his community through toy donations and teaches financial literacy, showing that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.
Moziah Bridges
Not finding bowties that suited his style, Moziah Bridges decided to make his own at age nine. Starting with scraps from his grandmother’s sewing projects, he created Mo’s Bows. Moziah’s handmade bowties gained national attention after a feature on “Shark Tank,” leading him to partnerships with brands like Cole Haan. With more than $700,000 in sales and a scholarship fund for children in his hometown of Memphis, Moziah is helping young people find joy in style and self-expression.
Vinusha MK
What began as a simple birthday cake for her mom sparked a lifelong passion for Vinusha MK. By 2019, she founded Four Seasons Pastry, specializing in seasonal-themed cupcakes and other baked goods. Her ambitions include creating a culinary institute to train and empower underprivileged youth. With a unique baking kit for children, Vinusha is spreading her love of baking while working with top chefs in India to hone her skills.
Mia Monzidelis
When five-year-old Mia Monzidelis asked her parents for a pony, they instead helped her create the Power Pony—a mechanical, rideable toy that offers children the experience of having their own “pony.” With features controlled by an app, Power Pony grew into a company employing 15 people, and Mia has donated thousands of dollars to charity. Her story demonstrates how creativity and determination can transform a childhood dream into a meaningful business.
Fraser Doherty
At 14, Fraser Doherty started selling homemade jams in Edinburgh, Scotland, using recipes from his grandmother. As demand grew, he scaled up his production, eventually securing a spot for his brand, SuperJam, in major U.K. supermarkets. Fraser’s entrepreneurial success led him to expand internationally, earning recognition for his accomplishments with an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II.
These young entrepreneurs exemplify the drive and passion of Generation Z. From fighting pollution to creating inclusive products, they’re not only shaping their futures but also making a positive impact on the world. Each story shows how a single idea, paired with dedication, can truly make a difference.
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