From handcrafted jewelry and custom apparel to golf balls and fresh lemonade, these young entrepreneurs are proving that age is no barrier to ambition. Each has turned a simple idea into a thriving small business while balancing school, family, and extracurricular activities.
Lexi & Co., Lexi 15
How did your business begin?
I started making friendship bracelets in sixth grade for fun. Friends began asking to buy them right off my wrist, so my parents encouraged me to start selling at local markets. What began as a hobby has grown into a business with a website and permanent jewelry appointments.
How do you balance everything?
School is always my priority. After that, I work on orders, prepare for markets, manage social media, run track, and make time for friends and family. Staying organized helps me enjoy every part of it.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned?
Not every market is successful, and that's okay. I've learned to stay positive, keep improving, and remember that helping someone find something that makes them feel beautiful is what matters.
What do you enjoy most?
Meeting customers and hearing their stories. Permanent jewelry appointments are my favorite because every experience is unique and meaningful.
Who has supported you the most?
My parents. They've been beside me at every market and keep encouraging new ideas.
What's next?
I hope to continue growing Lexi & Co., introduce new products, and create even more opportunities to connect with customers.
Baller From The Ville, Jamarion Willie 20
How did your business start?
Watching my mom build her cleaning company showed me what determination and consistency can accomplish. She inspired me to create something that reflected my own passions.
Where do your ideas come from?
Sports, culture, personal experiences, and the people around me all influence my designs. I want every piece to have meaning and make people feel confident.
How do you balance school and business?
Between classes, campus organizations, and my clothing brand, planning ahead helps me keep up with everything.
Who's been your biggest mentor?
My mom. She taught me that success comes from showing up every day, staying consistent, and believing in the long-term vision.
What's been your biggest challenge?
The clothing market is competitive, so I expanded into custom apparel for businesses, organizations, sports teams, and special events. Helping people create something unique has helped the business grow.
Most rewarding moment?
Seeing customers excited to wear something I created.
What's your goal?
I want Baller From The Ville to become a respected brand that represents ambition, creativity, and community while inspiring other young entrepreneurs.
The Golf Ball Dudes, Whitt 10
How did your business start?
We always had golf balls in our backyard, so I started collecting, cleaning, and selling them to golfers. It was a simple idea that turned into a business.
How do you balance school and business?
I work on weekends and during the summer whenever I'm not playing baseball. It's a good balance that still leaves time for school and sports.
What's the biggest challenge?
Keeping enough inventory. Collecting golf balls takes time, especially since golfers are on the course early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
What's the best part?
Meeting golfers every weekend and donating a portion of my earnings to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama.
Who helps you?
It's definitely a family effort. My mom handles marketing, my dad helps with finances, my brother sells with me, and my grandfather helps clean and organize the golf balls before they're ready to sell.
What's next?
I'd like to keep growing the business and eventually pass it along to my younger brother while I start another business of my own someday.
Keilani's Homemade Lemonade, Keilani 8
How did your business start?
I watched someone make lemonade online and wanted to try it myself. During summer break, I decided to open my own lemonade stand, and people really enjoyed it.
What's it like owning a business at nine years old?
It's exciting because I get to earn my own money while doing something I enjoy.
What's the hardest part?
Squeezing all the lemons and putting the bottle caps on takes a lot of work.
How do you balance everything?
I don't really stress about it—I just do my work, have fun, and keep going.
What's your favorite flavor?
Strawberry is my favorite.
How did you perfect your recipe?
It took lots of practice and tasting before I got it just right. Now I can make it much faster, and people always tell me how much they enjoy it.
What are your future goals?
I'd love to have my own store someday where I can sell lemonade and other products. Until then, I'll keep serving customers one cup at a time.
"I've learned to stay positive, keep improving, and remember that helping someone find something that makes them feel beautiful is what matters."
"Success comes from showing up every day, staying consistent, and believing in the long-term vision."