To be a kid with a billion ideas is one thing, to be kid who brings those ideas to fruition is quite another. We have been so inspired by these three local kidpreneurs. Their ingenuity and ambition is infectious!
Charlie Tabereaux, Pace Kicks
Website: pacekickssocial.com
Instagram: @pacekicks_shoes
What inspired you to start your own business at such a young age?
I don’t see age as a limit. I love sneakers and there is a huge business in that, so it is a passion. You don’t often see kids in the sneaker world, so Pace Kicks stands out a bit.
Tell us about your products.
I resell rare and hype sneakers – mostly Nike. I also have other merchandise – hoodies, hats, beanies, socks, etc. with our company logo designed by me. I do online sales via our website and social channels, but I really love in-person sales to develop those relationships.
Who is your target demographic?
I’m here for anyone. It is fun introducing people to sneaker culture, showing them all the options, talking with them about what we love. Initially, we sold to individuals at shows – women and men, typically teens and 20s. Now we also sell to shop owners and help supply their inventory of hard-to-find sneakers.
What is the process of bringing your product from concept to market?
For our branded merchandise, we use a print on demand service that allows us full design freedom and then they produce the item and ship it. I like to use Canva to play around with new merch designs – there are so many things you can do with fonts and color. As for the sneakers we resell, we have made friends and good partners at several sneaker shows. Those relationships give us access to more unique and limited hype sneakers.
How do you plan to grow your business while balancing other responsibilities?
My partner is my dad, and he’s pretty amazing with the business. He has his own demanding full-time work, but we complement each other. I teach him about sneaker culture and he teaches me about business elements.
It’s still important to me to be a good student, a soccer player, and a friend. But I usually devote an hour or so after school and on weekends to working on Pace Kicks.
What do you anticipate for the future of your company?
I would love to take what I have learned from Pace Kicks and continue with my entrepreneurial passion.
Anna Westenhofer, Zest Soap Co.
Instagram: @zestsoapco
What inspired you to start your own business at such a young age?
Throughout the inspiration, creation, and development of Zest Soap Co., I never considered my age. I simply dedicated all of my effort into performing every task in the way that an adult would.
Tell us about your products.
Zest Soap Co. is an entirely teen-owned business based here in Huntsville, AL. We design, manufacture, and sell handmade, all-natural, cruelty-free, vegan, and hypoallergenic bath products and accessories! We make bulk trays of products for retail stores, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, and more! We tailor the scent, visual aesthetic, and design to the theme and needs of the client.
Where is the best place for consumers to shop for your product?
Our luxury bar soaps are currently available for purchase in at Southern Hearth and Grills in Huntsville, and in Limited Editions Salon and Barber Shoppe in Hazel Green, AL. You can also purchase on our website, or message us on social media about your upcoming events!
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see our soap on the shelves of every boutique and modern retail store in The Rocket City! Within the next five years, we plan on expanding our product list to begin offering hand-poured and dipped wax candles and sugar scrubs. We are also hoping to donate a soap gift to the Downtown Rescue mission this holiday season in order to give back a fraction of the tremendous blessings that we have received as a company.
What long term skills is owning your own business providing you?
Owning a business has taught me valuable lessons about gracious professionalism, opportunity cost, accepting my own limits, and how to surpass them.
Jordyn Morris, Jordyn's Sweet Treats
@jordyns_sweet_treats_256
What inspired you to start your own business at such a young age?
I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, so during covid my mom bought me a Wilton chocolate melter. When I first started, I was making chocolate-covered strawberries for family and friends. One of my Aunts suggested to me that I could turn this into a business, so I did.
Tell us about your products.
I provide a variety of homemade baked items along with chocolate-covered and candy coated treats. I enjoy the time to myself baking and creating a product that not only tastes good, but is pretty too.
Where is the best place for consumers to shop for your product?
I have a digital menu online where people can see my current menu and place an order. I also have business profiles on Instagram and Facebook.
What long term skills is owning a business providing you?
My business has taught me how to manage my time and it’s helped me to manage my finances. I’m also a pretty quiet person and owning a business has helped me with my communication skills.
What is your favorite treat that you make?
I love the candied grapes and a classic chocolate chip cookie!
I resell rare and hype sneakers – mostly Nike.
I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking.