Al-Karim Versi, inventor of the A-Kar electric vehicle, gives us some details about how to go about inventing a new product, the challenges, the marketing, funding and some past experiences.
The A-Kar is a 3 wheeled vehicle made out of fiberglass. The motor is powered electrically by lithium ion battery cells and does not emit any harmful gases into the environment.
The A-Kar has been designed for uses as either a delivery vehicle or passenger carrier.
The top speed is 35mph and a full charge of 5 hours will give you 70 miles.
What do you think is the greatest challenge for inventors of products and how can they
overcome it?
I think the greatest challenge is turning your idea, your vision, into reality, into something tangible that you can feel and touch. This will include various obstacles that come along the path to creating your product. However these can all be overcome by persistency and more importantly a clear focus on the end goal and what you want to achieve.
For example, before a 100 meter race, a sprinter will have looked down the track ahead and already have run the race in their head.
What are the necessary steps to take when developing a product for the public, how do
they market it?
One critical area is to know and understand your target market and establish exactly what it is
they want, or what it is that is already established and how your product is going to improve upon what is already out there.
This could mean walking around the streets and asking people on their views and thoughts
on your product or having a customer focus group or using media uploads on the internet and viewing the feedback you receive. However, I would not advise the last channel if you are seeking patent protection first.
It is also necessary to make sure you are knowledgeable and well read up on current government legislation as well as any relevant licensing or health and safety issues concerning the product you want to develop.
What were your challenges? And how did you go about it?
My challenges were pretty varied. To begin with it was the search for a cost effective
manufacturing partner who I could work with and who could understand my vision.
This search saw me travelling across both India and China. I eventually found one in the latter. Other challenges were more procedural, and needed patience on my part, for example
applying for design protection and trademarks.
What are the qualities that you feel makes a successful entrepreneur?
You have to first off be comfortable with yourself and what you are doing. If you cannot
look at yourself in the mirror and believe in yourself, and what you are doing then
forget it.
You have to live and breathe your idea. Secondly know and understand your
market, there is no point trying to create a football, it’s been done. Always look at
new ideas and businesses you come across daily and always question yourself what way can that idea or business be improved upon.
The key fuel needed is a tank full of passion, with common sense.
A business looking for funding? What is the best way to go about this?
Networking is the key here. Someone once told me that your network is your net worth. By
going out to functions related to your business and building up contacts you should be
able to find the investor you are looking for, or the person who can help you get
funding.
There are many Government and European backed funding out there for the right
products. Be wary of people who ask you to pay them a fee to help you raise funding – they
should be confidant in your product in the first place. Also ensure you have a water tight business plan before you talk to anyone, know your figures and know your product inside out.
Any last words you would like to add?
I would like to wish all you budding entrepreneurs and inventors the very best of luck and remember to never give up on your idea. You might feel alienated at times, but you are not the only one.
This is the price you need to pay to turn your vision into reality.
Thanks Al-Karim, I’m sure the readers will enjoy this quality piece of information.
Thanks once more for your time.
From your feedbacks, I will try and write my topics as concise as possible.
Most of the things I tried to get across to you in the last post were that, we all have this inner yearning for succeed, achievement, but we lack theinitiative to maximize the true potential that lies within us, Because of situations that holds us back.
Those things that varies from childhood’s experiences, relationships, friendships, failures, misconceptions, self-realisation and others but I do believe we can get pass the stage.
One of the ways I believe to move from that stage is to talk with GREAT-minded people, you know the people that can really motivate and inspire you in taking on that situation head strong.
Also, It is better to go with your gut, now think about it, what if Thomas Edison has let other situation weigh him downinstead, he used situations like this to bring out the best in him, drawing out his inner motivation, using words of inspiration to inspire himself also” I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”, although think it through, don’t fight it, go with it. Even if you don’t know exactly how it is going to work out embrace the idea and try to see it through to its full potential.
During the last five years,so much ideas come my way, some which I have ignored totally, ideas that could be booming now, but oh well, we all have to move on, but also I have ideas in the past two years where I have had that ‘gut feeling’, followed it and it turned out to be a dead-end, but by going with that idea it led me to have another idea which was better. I guess it bring sense to the quote saying “There is light at the end of the tunnel”.
Don’t be afraid to drop your old ideas for a new better one. Sometimes each new idea is just a stepping stone to that ultimate idea. Drop the average for the best.
Remember to continue reading “Think and Grow rich” by “Napoleon Hill“ or get yourself the audio version , if you want a copy of the either, do not hesitate to contact me or any questions relating to the post.
The Mindset is your preparation into the world of entrepreneurship, I can say this enough; it all starts in the mind.If your mind is not prepared, then it needs developing, start reading books, or listening to audios or exposing your mind to different things, but be careful not to take others opinions as your facts.
Challenge your mind, challenge yourself
Your mindset is what gives you a different approach to life, it makes you understand that you can be great rather than settle to be okay. It enables you to constantly try to better yourself.
we something underestimate the power of our minds, when you have your mind set on something, you are unstoppable, the only person that can stop you is “you”.
Think outside the Box, not just within the Box, open your mind and look at things from different angles and directions.
I understand why a lot of people don’t question things, they just do, because it’s easier, don’t do things because it is easier but because it is the best option.
Do let someone think for you, or create your mindset,don’t be enslaved within others thoughts or opinions.
Don’t be afraid to be outside the so-called safety zone. To succeed in any business undertaking, one must not be afraid of these risks. Let that be your mentality, your mindset.
However, don’t take risks blindly; you must be able to calculate them. By properly calculating the risks, you can determine if the risks are worth taking or not.
The pace of economic change is accelerating, driven by inventions, process improvements, and our perpetual quest for better, faster, cheaper GOODS AND SERVICES.
Which means you need to start, right now, and begin to develop your mind.
“The entrepreneurial mind-set transcends the confines of family and tradition, opening individuals up to modern styles of consciousness and securing them a place in modern industrial society” (Brigitte Berger in Spinosa, Flores, Dreyfus, 1997, p.57)
In this world of uncertainty, your mindset should be:
Take control.
If nobody knows the future and what it holds, then the future might has well belong to you.
You can change the future; you can change your future. Your vision of how to navigate it is as good as anyone’s.
And don’t forget that you’re still young, at least kind of young I guess most of us,
You need to start to develop yourself, work on yourself, none of that CRAP YOU BEEN DOING LATELY LIEING TO YOURSELF, THAT YOU’RE LEARNING.
Take advantage of your youth. Being young, you can come up with lots of new, unexplored ideas to start a successful business.
If you look back, most of the biggest companies right now, began when there was nothing else like it. That’s why they are untouchable e.g. the Bill gates and Rupert Murdock’s; they beat the competition to it!
Find your perfect niche, the possibilities for growths, and advancement, are endless.
Further, even when competition comes knocking, you will already have the experience that they don’t, and a solid customer base, whose trust you have earned.
Get yourself into the right frame of Mind, your Mindset is powerful.
I hope this word of encouragement on the mindset of the aspiring entrepreneurs inspires us.
I am going to change the book which I have told you to read for these couple of weeks, now I want us to turn our focus to nothing less than the great book by Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich”, As I always say if you need it in the pdf format or the audio, do not hesitate to contact me, or if you have any questions in relations to the book or the topic in general.
Also, I hope the video below gives you some kind of strength and motivation to keep pushing harder.
The founder, CEO, Designer and creative director of “Billy Boyce (BB)” is Shaun Akanbi.
Shaun Akanbi is a 23 years old law gradate fulfilling his dreams as a designer and a young entrepreneur.
BB is clothing filled with an interesting mix, purposely made to grasp attention, but most of all made to be a difference within this generation.
“Some say beauty is what you’re born with not what you create…How naive?” a tagline derived from Mr Akanbi speaking of BB in one sentence.
Hello, how are you doing Shaun? Welcome to YHP
“Billy Boyce”, how did you come up with the title?
I named the brand after my father who I love so much, and “Billy” happens to be his name and Boyce being an alias.
Who inspired you to create such radical designs?
Am inspired by so many people and things so naming one specific body to summarise it all would be quite difficult. However, am mainly inspired by the creative minds of kids and youths and street culture, the punk era, vibrant colours, flamboyant buttons, patches, heightened fierce and diva like personalities, Futuristic creations and like most people, I love everything that sparkles. Hence, my idea of creating a new genre brand with the combination of street, glamour and excitement.
What’s your favourite style when it comes to clothing?
My personal style differs depending on the occasion; however you would often catch me looking a bit preppy and chic.
Do you have a favourite clothing brand?
I love Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Alexandra McQueen and All Saints.
When was your first entrepreneurial experience?
My first entrepreneurial experience was back in 2008 when i initially started the brand and sold my first few items. I made profit and had to decide if i should pocket the profits or re-invest into the business but i made the choice of re-investing it.
What do you feel are the basic skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur?
I would say the skills required are as follows: Hardworking, dedication, ability to invest in one’s self, ability to improvise, managerial skills, time management, self beliefs, determination to succeed, and willingness to learn to become a perfectionist.
Your presentation of BB clothing portrays a strong sense of colours, why is that so?
Billy Boyce being “A new generation brand for a new generation of people” means in this modern times, we all long to be 16 again and the best way to stay and feel young is to celebrate colours within our own unique styles.
Who do you aim to target as your audience?
Billy Boyce Clothing is aimed at an array of individuals from young novices to adventurous adults.
What are your aims and goals regarding Billy Boyce as the founder of it?
Our aim is to create a new genre of fashion within the hearts of London and re-invent ourselves as the new Joe Bloggs that everybody wants to be a part of. We also aim to extend our product line from clothing to accessories, jewellery, colognes/fragrances, sunglasses, shoes and bags.
Has your business gone under any setback so far and how did you overcome it?
With production becoming very expensive, we have had to source our resources oversees. However, there were always minimum quantities of thousands which seemed impossible as a small brand. I overcame this by using the recession as an excuse to negotiate for bargain deals from suppliers and manufacturers hence making them lower their minimum quantities to cater for smaller businesses like myself.
Time is an important tool in this world of ours, especially in this generation. Does this business you venture in enable you with time for yourself, friends and family?
Truthfully, there isn’t enough time in the day to do many of things i hoped to do for the business yet alone for my personal life. However, the hyped blackberry device has made things a little easier. I try to make time for myself, friends and family either way and i respond to emails etc via my blackberry if urgently needed to do so.
Where do you see Billy Boyce going in the next five years?
In the next year we hope to expand into our various product line as mentioned earlier and also hope to create a kids collection. I also hope to be internationally acclaimed past Europe.
Do you have anyone you model yourself around?
Richard Branson, P. Diddy, Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, Philip Greene, Robert (Bob) Johnson and many others who were born without a silver spoon and went from rag to riches merely by working hard.
As a fashion designer, is there any necessity for one to obtain an educational degree?
It’s always best to know your trade and education is always going to be a vital developmental skill. There are so many things that cannot be self taught and you would always need education to fill in the blank spaces and unanswered questions.
Why didn’t you pursue further as to becoming a lawyer due to the facts that you have studied it….
I had always had a creative mind, dream and passion to become a fashion designer from a tender age but evolving from an African background, i knew it wasn’t a career my parents would be pleased with. Moreover, my parents brought me up telling me i would become a good lawyer due to my good debating and negotiating skills right from a tender age. I initially thought i was doing it for them but then realised how useful it had been just after i graduated. You could also say destiny played its part now but law will always be a part of me as its helped my negotiating and communication skills, my understanding of the rights of a consumer and how to work within the consumer and trade acts that protect them. It has also helped me in the formulation of policies and procedures under-which the company operates.
What’s your advice for people who aim to be radical, different as yourself in the clothing line?
Be creative, innovative and draw your inspiration from your surroundings.
Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs out there?
Don’t give up and keep striving even when times are hard. There would always be a way even when there seems to be no way, just stop and think. If Richard Branson can, why can’t we?
Is your life anything you want it to be? Have you actually made a decision that you want?
You really don’t get it do you, do you understand that we are all different in the tiniest ways possible and it is our responsibility to show people that TINY part of us, the part differentiates us from others, the same differentiation that SEPERATES painters, singers etc.
You need to take responsibility for yourself and your actions, unless you will be stuck in their state of mind that, someone is responsible for what is going on in your life.
BREAKING NEWS………You’re Responsible for your actions.
So I urge you to start to make these decisions, these crucial decisions in making your first steps towards finding your hidden potential, these first steps that can change the course of your lives.
And until you accept this, will you live life to its fullest, no-one else can do this for you.
I hope this can make you start taking the first steps to chase your dreams and realize that anything in life is possible, if you believe in yourself and your idea, vision through hard-work and perseverance.
The most creative minds are the ones that think of what should be, rather than what it is.
Don’t Crucify yourself in false beliefs that you can’t, as I said in the last post, Y shouldn’t you be saying, “I can do it”.
Don’t let others opinions hold you back from having the life you want or pursue your dreams.
I am going to leave you this at this moment, give you time to digest this and hope you can concentrate in ways in taking your first steps.
It doesn’t matter how old, short, tall, background etc, you can do, and yes “I can do it”, that should be your new motto.
First steps are crucial, our first steps in learning how to walk, speak, read, write, run, and dance.
We didn’t just get up one day and started jumping, we started by crawling, then walking, and they after mastering the balance of our body with our two feet, we started running and then jumping. If you just started running, without these procedures as a baby I would be interested in knowing your story.
After reading couple books of some young entrepreneurs, I realised something that puts many of us off starting something different, something unique-REJECTION, but being an entrepreneur is realising that it takes passion,persistence and hardwork succeed, and not just an idea.
You need to ask yourself these questions quickly
Did any of the people that discouraged you not to follow your ambition, Will any of them ever take risks?
Start up a business? Pursue their passion?
Why are listening to someone that will take a 9-5 over starting something dynamic, something new, something different, something that can change the course of your life, or the world.
You might feel they are trying to protect you, but I say they are trying to slow you down, It would please them for you to be someone under control, rather than a person in control.
Don’t just let someone’s opinion change your course of life.
We realise that the world has somehow jumped ahead of most of us without realising and now we are panicking on what to do next.
Most of us have being given directions and structures in which how our lives must fit, structures in which we must live our lives around, that why I guess most of us are terrified when expected to make key decisions e.g. “when I leave the university, what am I going to do next”, because they realise that they don’t really have a clue what to do next, because for the first time in their life they have to make a decision that can shape the course of their future.
Of course, sometimes we end up making the right decision, but the point is that now we have to make that decision, the key decision, nothing after that is planned out.
We’ve always had plans set in front of us, first primary school, and then secondary school, the we do A-levels, and then we’re off to the university, without actually realising what we want to do.
I do believe structure is needed in every community and structure comes in terms of education and other community-related organisation.
I also believe education is vital, but learning is more crucial, most of us skip our way through education, without learning anything and later, blame the government for not providing enough jobs, blame our bosses for not treating us well, blame the job itself, I just find this very interesting.
I believe that the era of self-education is re-investing itself.
Most people prefer to stay in the comfort zone, because they are scared about what will happen if they pursue their dreams, I am not saying make rash decisions, without thinking about it.
But don’t wake-up in regrets, when you realise one morning on your way to work, someone has perfected the idea you were to scared to pursue.
You need to understand that nothing is guaranteed in life any more, I hope people can see from this recession that even job security is very shaky,put it this way “everything is a risk”, so take the risk you believe in.
If you’re not ready to wake up, with the pace in which the world is moving, YOU will be left completely stagnant.
In the wake of recession, hopefully people could start thinking out of the box and start implementing their ideas, instead of looking for the next job seeker allowance, why can’t you say “he went to the same school as me, he was in my class, he lived on my street, and I can do it”
This is your time to search within yourself, get to know yourself.
Watch the Video below and I hope it shows that you are capable of a lot more, and now is the time to start taking the first steps.
YHP had the opportunity to speak to Yana Johnson MBE and asked her some questions about business/entrepreneurship.
Yana is the director of Yana Cosmetic Ltd, A company she started in 2001
An award winning make up brand designed to fulfil the diversity needs of women especially those with extremely light or dark skin.
Providing, skincare and makeup and beauty tutorials online and the UK’s only Independent Premium make up line.
How important is getting a degree or going to university, some entrepreneurs are just creative from young and sometimes contemplate about going to higher education but instead want to continue with their businesses, what are your thoughts on this?
Education is important but so is being at the top of your game and also who you know ultimately. Some have taken the route academically and some practically it depends strongly on what it is they plan to do.
Sky is the limit and in any field there is always something you need to know. Education helps you to realize your potentials quickly through its measuring systems and many available resources available at hand on lists etc as well as a lot of reference material, it is invaluable and it cannot be taken away once you have it, however, practical learnt knowledge such as a skill or craft handed down it something that has an unspoken value which has been developed over time. All entrepreneurs need passion and a single minded vision to accomplish anything.
How essential is teamwork in business?
Teamwork is essential although there are many who have succeeded in going it alone. It is when you begin to impact those you need as customers or the wider market that any entrepreneur can fully realize and appreciate the need for others in their lives.
Teamwork can be your direct team making your potential come true, your inner circle of people whom you trust or colleagues who believe in your vision, all requirement a measure of motivation and to feel valued.
What is your definition of an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is someone who has an idea and pursues making it happen from conception to completion. An entrepreneur doesn’t give up, is a finisher and always sees the potential in why and how something can happen.
What are the fundamentals that make-up a successful entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs can’t help but look into things to discover ways of using or creating value. Entrepreneurs are happy in their own space and rarely need endorsement.
They are extreme and can go to any lengths to pursue a dream and have a unique ability to think very quickly many ways of achieving and objective. Entrepreneurs are not satisfied until the dream has come alive. Entrepreneurs live for seeing the potential
come true, they are driven by that feeling of the need to create and inspired by similar individuals.
What is your definition of success?
In a book that I am writing on the subject I define success as;
An event that accomplishes its intended purpose
Finishing what you started to do
The attainment of wealth, position, honors or the like
I was watching a video of you at the British Library event hosted by the British Library’s Business & IP Centre, alongside Tim Campbell, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones and Charles Ejogo you spoke about people using their gifts and talents, turning it into a business, you also said that an idea is one’s intellectual property,
What are the necessary steps that you think a young entrepreneur should take in turning their idea “Intellectual Property” into a business?
Identifying the idea, writing it down and pursuing its copyright (visit British Library for how to do this) then finding a viable market and pursuing penetrating it in the many ways and forms of business start ups. Even if it has been done before, there usually is a twist or special extra that can be added to make it unique and have a ‘USP’ Unique Selling Point.
You also mentioned different areas about business in music, what advices can you give from your experience for young artists trying to break into the music industry?
Again a young artist needs to make sure their music and product is finished to the highest standard before showcasing it for a deal. I was signed up to my record deal after sending out demo’s while I was interning in New York. I sent it out and continued with my life pursuing other ideas when someone heard my demo and liked it and signed me.
In everything that I do a level of excellence has pushed me further to my goals I have had to learn my industries inside and out and I have has to perform consistently at that level, which then accumulates to growth.
Thanks Yana for your time, I’m sure the YHP Readers would enjoy your responses.
Yana is the director of Yana Cosmetic Ltd, A company she started in 2001.
An award winning make up brand designed to fulfill the diversity needs of women especially those with extremely light or dark skin.
Providing, skincare and makeup and beauty tutorials online and the UK’s only Independent Premium make up line.
AWARDS
Black Enterprise,
European Federation of Black Women Businesses Owners, 2003
Mahogany Brides, 2004
British Female Inventors & innovators Award, 2005, http://www.bfiin.com/award_2005.htm
TV
Beat The Boss Children’s enterprise TV show
BET it’s my thing – Featured entrepreneur
London Tonight feature
1ST Independent premium brand makeup company in UK
International exhibitor at Black Expo
Beauty Editor at Blacknet.co.uk
1st Independent premium brand make up in Allders, Croydon
1st Independent premium brand make up in Morley’s Brixton
1st Independent premium brand make up in James Selby’s North London
Company: YANA LTD
Position Held: BAME (Black Asian and ethnic Minority Women) Consultant Started 2008
A company who’s ethos is all about economic development and empowerment for the BAME Community.
Providing, public speaking, workshops, seminars, creative intellectual property such as music and video and sub brands used to empower, inspire and motivate the BAME community.
WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS
Catford Girls Year 6 pampering workshop & training
Whole school assemblies
Children’s (skill building) gospel choir
Black history month filmed discussion 08 ‘The history of Make up’
Black History workshop 09 – Love the way you look
Black history seminar 09 – what I learned from hip Hop
Black History seminar 09 – Entrepreneurship
YMCA – Vulnerable your women make up workshop
Camden Council – Vulnerable group esteem workshop
Yana make up rep programme with training sessions
Women’s’ cultural limitations and communication of needs issues
Self esteem and morale building
Single mum’s issues
Vulnerable groups
Mixed race women and cultural inheritance and awareness
Cultural awareness for black and white communities
Enterprise, branding and PR and start ups advice
Professional women
Music specific creative industries for women
Creative writing for women
QUALIFICATIONS
BSc Environmental Control 2:2
BTEC Dip Business & Finance
City & Guilds Dip Music technology
IAB Dip Bookkeeping
ILA Management
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Tenacity to lead, radical, ambitious, creative, resourceful. Visible excellence and flexibility to deliver to
audiences with impact.
The present economic situation has forced us to change the way we think and act.
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YHP had the opportunity to speak to Jason O’Neill, Jason is the founder of pencil Bugs, the business he started while he was only nine years old, guess what? Jason is only 13 and already in his fourth year of running his business, he has been featured in ABC, MSN, NBC, FORBES.
Hey Jason, How you doing today, Thank you for the opportunity.
Can you tell the readers, how the idea of PENCIL BUGS came about?
When I was nine, my mom was doing a craft fair. I wanted to help her paint the doorstoppers that she was making so I could get some of the money. She said “no” and told me that if I wanted to make money I had to come up with my own idea. That is just what I did. I started by drawing out some designs on paper and came up with the idea of Pencil Bugs.
What was your inspiration? What made you start your business?
After the craft fair, I took Pencil Bugs to school and showed other kids what I was doing. They liked the Pencil Bugs so much that they wanted to buy them. Most of my classmates bought Pencil Bugs so I knew that they were becoming really popular. One day a classmate came to school with $100 and offered to buy my business. I turned him down because I knew I would make more than that in the long run. That was the real turning point from making Pencil Bugs just for a craft fair to becoming a full-on business.
How do you feel starting up a business at such a young age? Has there been any pressure?
As a kid you have nothing to loose. You don’t have to start a business but if you do, you can take it slow. If my business doesn’t work out then not only have I made a decent amount of money for my age but I have learned so much through all of this. So there is not much pressure since if I fail I still have all of my adult years to work.
How did it make homework fun for you?
I didn’t really create Pencil Bugs for myself. I know that there are many other kids who have a hard time with school and especially homework. I have received many e-mails from other kids telling me how my Pencil Bugs have helped make school work a little more fun for them. But Pencil Bugs are not just for kids. Older students and even adults seem to like them just for fun.
How did you find out whether your idea would appeal to others?
I took it to my target audience, my fellow students, and showed the Pencil Bugs to them. The reaction was immediate. They loved them. From the first day I received orders for them, I knew that if I got this reaction from one school that more kids would like them. I tested it on a small scale and expanded it from there. Plus I believed in my product.
What made you come up with that name?
The original name when I sold them at the craft fair was Pencil Pals, but when I went to set up my website after that, I found out how many things go by that name. I had to change the name to something else. Since it is a bug on a pencil, I thought it was appropriate to call them Pencil Bugs. It was simple, easy to remember, and the domain name was available for my website.
How does it feel speaking publicly to large amounts of people and also dealing with this amount of press?
It is really fun and exciting to speak to audiences of all ages and any size. It gives me butterflies for a few minutes each time I start but that is part of what makes it so exciting. The best part of speaking in front of people is that each time is different. Even if your speech is the same, the audience reaction totally can change the whole tone of the speech. Each time I speak I look forward to something new and I never know what to expect.
I know you’ve been featured in top shows such as ABC, MSN, NBC, FORBES, I could go on? How did that come about?
I have never paid for ads so I had to find other ways to get noticed. My mom has really helped me with getting publicity. Some people think that the only good publicity is when you have to pay for it. I am living proof that is wrong. I have won awards, been on national TV, in Forbes articles twice, on radio, in articles all over the Internet, and in countless newspapers and magazines without spending a cent. So if you know what you are doing and use a little creativity, you can get great free media coverage.
I know your parents have been very supportive in your progress? How does it feel to have parents that believe in your idea, your business and you?
Without my parents, neither my business nor I would be here. I am very thankful that they support and help me through everything. Help and support for anything you do is key especially at a young age and parents are the best support a child could have. But even if a parent isn’t able to help, kids can still find other adults to be their mentors and help them start their business.
I know you got some great projects such as working prototype for a board game. You’re also working on a book. I’m not going to give everything away but how is it going? When should we be expecting your book?
My manuscript for my business book is with my agent right now and we are hoping that it will be on store shelves late next year. I also am working on several other books. Early next year, I plan on working on a plush toy version of Pencil Bugs for little kids. The other products like the board game and video game are much further in the future but definitely still part of the plan.
How do you feel to be included in the book The Richest Kids in America?
It is an honor to be named with other very successful young people. The best part about the book is that is recognizes many different kinds of rich. I am not a millionaire yet but I am still very rich in other ways. It’s not about how much you make but what you do with the money once you earn it. I’ve been donating to help other kids since I started my business and I know it makes a difference to them. It’s good to give back when you can.
How do you cope with going to school and running a business?
Balance is important and my parents make sure that I still have time to be a kid. I am not involved in extracurricular activities so I am not running from practice to practice after school. I guess you could say my business is my extra thing. I am also an A-student so school is not much of a problem for me.
What do you like most about running your business?
I love speaking and with speaking events comes travelling. I like to share my story and inspire people to try their ideas. I’ve had so many opportunities and fun experiences because of public speaking.
Who are your role models?
My parents are definitely on the top of the list since they have always been there for me. Bill Gates is also a role model to me since he is a very successful business person and also is a philanthropist. I hope to be able to donate a lot more and help other kids as my business continues to grow.
Who is your favourite from everyone you’ve met so far, and why?
TV personality, Art Linkletter, who happens to be 97 years old. I didn’t know who he was but when I did a speaking event with him and Mark Victor Hansen and other young entrepreneurs, I was fascinated just listening to his stories of how he started as a business person and what he’s done in his life.
Who’s your favourite young entrepreneur at the moment?
Entrepreneur/author Cameron Johnson who is in the “Richest Kids in America” book with me. He is about 24 years old so he has a few more years of business experience than I do. He has a great story of how he got started and even though I have heard it many times, it’s still fun to listen to it because it’s so entertaining. He has had several businesses that he has grown and eventually sold and his business sense is amazing.
Do you have any advice you will like to give to young entrepreneurs thinking of starting an idea/business?
Try your ideas even if people don’t support you. If you believe in them, you have to go for it. You won’t get anywhere by sitting on your ideas.
Don’t give up. Starting a business isn’t easy but if you give up, you’ll never know what might have happened.
Get a parent or someone else who might have gone through some of it before to help you through it. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. You can learn a lot from other people’s mistakes.
