Young Entrepreneurs

Our Business Future Is in Good Hands

By: Cindy Kennedy

Olivia Hernandez wanted a go-kart.  Colton Lock wanted equipment for his competitive shooting.  Westen Evans wanted a dirt bike. And Caleb Carter wanted money for college.  But instead of asking their parents, these young entrepreneurs started their own businesses this summer.  They not only earned money for their dreams but built a work ethic, have plans for

future business and have advice for other young people wanting to make their mark in the world. 

Olivia started a pet sitting business first by creating a flyer and going door to door to advertise her 9 years of experience (she is 11 but started taking care of the family dogs early).  Soon her mother posted on her salon FB page and Olivia was off and running.  She sits for pets in homes or brings them to her home for extended stays.  Her sister, Annabelle (8), tried her hand at a lemonade stand that featured popcorn, cotton candy and baked goods (Mom helped with that one).  “Everyone in the neighborhood was so nice and so willing to give me a chance”, Olivia says. “We had great support from our community.”  

Colton Lock and Westen Evans say the same thing. “People were willing to give us a try and sometimes even pay more then we asked because they were grateful for the service,” Colton says.  His friend, Westen, found a way for them to make money for the summer on YouTube – washing out people’s curbside trashcans.  As they went door to door to make their offer, they were pleased by the overwhelming need for this service.  And they learned a lot about dealing with people and getting the job done, as well as organizing their time.  “You can only really do this on the day of trash pick up so we would do a lot of trash cans on that one day,” Westen told me.  Colton and Westen have expanded out to washing trucks and hope to expand next summer to lawn care.  

Caleb turned his love of tools into his summer business.  He has always liked working with tools and knives. The family had a friend who did knife sharpening and taught him the basics.  So to start his business, he and his family spread the word in the neighborhood.  Caleb began sharpening anything from hunting knife sets to butcher block knife sets, as well as some gardening tools.  For Caleb, the business is also a reflection of his faith. His business card for Edge of Grace includes a reference to Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

These remarkable young people had a dream and worked to make it happen.  Olivia was inspired by her mother, who owns a salon, and in turn inspired her sister.  “My friends were amazed at how much money I made.  I would tell them if they wanted to start a business to do what they love to do and tell everyone you know about it.  Plus tell them your experience”  is Olivia’s advice.  Colton offers this advice – “ Be ready for it to be hard at first but don’t give up”.  Westen adds, “ You get used to the work after the first couple of weeks and then it is fun. And you get to meet a lot of people.”.  Caleb offers this advice, “ Do what you love. Start small and work up to more customers so you can do a good job each time.”.  These inspiring young people got out into the community, did good work and were very respectful. Their families have a lot to be proud of and we are thrilled to celebrate your future business leaders.

If you know a young entrepreneur you would like to see featured, email Publisher@380guide.com