Ever wondered what it would be like to run your own business while still at school? Across the globe, there are heaps of inspiring teen bosses out there turning their passion into profit, proving that you don’t need decades of experience to make your mark.
From app developers and social media influencers to innovative product creators, these young entrepreneurs show what’s possible when you combine creativity with determination. Their stories might just inspire you to turn your own business idea into reality, whether you want to start alongside your studies or as a potential career path down the track.
Bath bomb sisters
Teenage sisters Isabel and Caroline Bercaw were a bit disappointed in the quality of the bath bombs they were buying; so they took matters into their own hands and tried making their own.
From their start mixing up bath bombs in the kitchen sink, they’re now in charge of a business that has sold over 10 million bath bombs to suppliers and customers all over the world.
The girls credit their family for the help and support that led to their success.
“We’re really lucky that we grew up surrounded by such smart people. We’re super grateful that they believed in our idea and wanted to get on board with it.”
– Caroline Bercaw, co-founder of Da Bomb Bath Fizzers
JoJo bows
Young entertainer JoJo Siwa got her start on reality show Dance Moms, but it was her entrepreneurship that saw her real success.
Originally striking a deal with Nickelodeon, JoJo now has her own brand, selling things from toys to shoes, as well as her biggest seller – her signature bows, of which she’s sold more than 80 million worldwide.
She’s also an avid content creator, as well as a musician, actor, and performer – talk about doing it all!
“I love doing YouTube. That’s where my heart is, and so it makes me sad when I can’t put a good, fun, energetic video out, because that’s what I love to do – and that’s my passion. And that’s who I am.”
– JoJo Siwa, influencer and entrepreneur
Read more about JoJo’s journey here.
AI for good
At just 17 years old, Richard Black founded California-based startup Halfcode, a company that uses Artificial Intelligence to develop smart technology to help people with disabilities. One of their products, smart glasses, is designed to help people with visual and hearing impairments.
For Richard, the social aspect of his business is just as important as making money.
“I know for me personally, the social mission is what drives me and no matter what I will be doing in the future, I’ll always be a social entrepreneur.”
– Richard Black, founder of Halfcode
Read more about Richard’s story here.
Changing the way we browse
Working as an intern for Netscape when he was just 15, Blake Ross was frustrated by the web browser he had to use. So he decided to make his own. Today, Firefox is one of the most widely-used internet browsers, with nearly 200 million users each month.
Blake has since developed other software and worked for Facebook, and is constantly pursuing his own passion for software innovation.
“We weren’t trying to strike it rich with Firefox. It’s open source and it’s free. We weren’t trying to take over the world; we had kind of modest goals, and it was OK if it failed. We were a lot freer to make risky decisions. If you can afford to do things that way, it’s just so much better. You’re not thinking about venture capitalists or marketing or sales. Just product and users, all day every day.”
– Blake Ross, co-creator of Firefox
Want more?
There are heaps more stories of inspiring teen bosses making a difference in the world. You can see more here:
- 5 incredible teen entrepreneurs
- 16 young and successful entrepreneurs who prove that age is nothing but a number
- Meet 9 inspiring young entrepreneurs
Or you can read more about entrepreneurship and find ideas for starting your own business on our website here.
