This week you’ve read about organizations dedicated to helping young people discover their inner entrepreneur, as well as tips and tools to help those who’ve already made their foray into free enterprise. In this final piece of our four-part series about youth entrepreneurship, we’re taking a look at startup ventures by young students. For these people, balancing school, friends, chores, marketing strategies, and customer demands are daily tasks.
With a penchant for making money and a grasp of their life’s passions, these young money savvy students successfully run burgeoning businesses. Check out who they are and what they do:
K-9 Kouture
With a passion for fashion and a love of dogs, Jada Marie Nicome founded K-9 Kouture last fall after developing the business plan for an in-class competition. “Ever since I was little I wanted a dog so I could dress him up,†Nicome says. “I never thought I could create a business out of it.†But indeed she did, winning the class competition, and joining the market of pooch clothiers.
Pet owners can choose from K-9 Kouture’s line of sweaters with quirky quotes and jazz up their puppy’s apparel with rhinestones or Swarovski crystals. Since launching K-9 Kouture last November, the 18-year-old has sold more than 50 units of her signature sweaters, raking in $800 to $900.
Nicome expects to sell 180 units in the upcoming year ranging from $30 to $50 a pop, depending on size and design. The Maryland native is also working out a deal with the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to provide signature hoodies for its dogs.