If you are anything like the go-getters featured here, the lazy days of summer could be very busy. All four got an early start creating their own businesses. Last week, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurs (NFTE) honored Shay Hammond and other young business leaders. NFTE gives kids the training and resources they need to dream big and become business owners, presidents and chief executives. Read their success stories. It could help you find your inner boss!
LAVTweb
Laima Tazmin
President
New York, New York
Laima Tazmin started on her career path when she was 7 years old. "I was a curious kid," Laima, now 17, told TFK. She borrowed her older brother's computer books and began creating websites for fun. Her hobby became a promising business idea in the sixth grade, when she took a class taught by NFTE. Her plan for a web-design company won first place in a NFTE competition.
In 2001, Laima founded LAVTweb. From her home office in New York City, she designs websites for small-business owners, artists and other professionals. LAVT earned $25,000 during its second year and business is still booming. The job also has one priceless plus: Laima is her older brother's boss.
Success has not gone to Laima's head. No matter how well LAVTweb does, the high school junior plans to go to college. "School is my number-one priority," she says.
Shay's Bones and Biscuits
Shay Hammond
Founder, Owner, Operator
Olive Hill, Kentucky
Since starting her own business at age 11, Shay Hammond has attracted many loyal, drooling customers. Shay sells homemade dog treats. She was inspired by her loveable mutt, Pancake. Pancake was just a skinny pup when he gobbled up the first batch of treats that Shay made.
In the past three years, Pancake has grown and so has Shay's company, Bones and Biscuits. It earned about $200 last year. Three stores sell the snacks, and Shay also takes orders online. Last week, NFTE awarded her a $1,000 prize.
Bones and Biscuits come in two flavors: Mutter Butter, made with peanut butter, and Chicken Lickin', made with chicken broth. The treats have all-natural ingredients, which could draw a new kind of customer. "Whenever I sold them at school, everybody would dip them in cheese," Shay told TFK. "Maybe I should start selling them to people."
ProPedder Kustoms
Buddy Dillenberg
Chief Executive Officer
Birmingham, Alabama
Buddy Dillenberg had $4,500 saved up to buy a car when he turned 16. Instead, he bought a drill press, and ProPedder Kustoms buzzed into business. The handy teen started making cool add-ons for his friends' motorized scooters, called Go-Peds. He also sold his scooter parts online. Soon he was earning up to $1,000 a month.
Last week, the 19-year-old college freshman won an award for his work. Buddy claims that he was born to be a business owner. "I've got a taste for entrepreneurship," he says.
Baywear Legend
Luis Villa
Chief Executive Officer
East Palo Alto, California
Luis Villa's community has been hurt by gangs and violence. So Luis founded a business that takes a stand against senseless fighting. He is the chief executive of Baywear Legend, a company that makes belts, bandanas and T-shirts. Baywear takes bandana patterns that gangs use to identify themselves and pairs them with colors that promote unity.
Luis, 16, co-founded the company, then called Latin Style, two years ago. It earned him a 2005 NFTE award. Now leading the company under its new name, Luis has his eye on college and the future. He says that starting a company has shown him "the potential I have for being
successful."Get Working
Do you want to be your own boss? Here are some tips to get you started.
The Boss of What?
List your hobbies, then come up with a business idea for each one.
Mind Your Money
Keep track of what you spend and earn.
Start Small, Think Big
You will learn big lessons with every deal, even a small one.
Listen Up
Get advice from an adult you can trust.
Make Work Fun
Work hard, but don't take work so seriously that you never enjoy it.
Always Deliver
Be honest. You want to be known as a person who follows through on
promises.
Try, Try Again
Building a business is tough. If your first idea doesn't succeed, give
it another shot.
SOURCES: STEVE MARIOTTI, FOUNDER, NFTE