TEENPRENEUR AWARD NOMINEES
This award recognizes entrepreneurs, age 19 or younger, committed to the tradition of Black business achievement.
Leanna’s Inc.
Type of business: Hair care products
Founder/CEO: Leanna Archer
Location: Central Islip, New York
www.leannashair.com
Launched in 2005, Leanna’s Inc. manufactures a line of natural hair products. With only word-of-mouth marketing and little advertising, the homegrown hair company experienced revenue growth for three consecutive years. The line of moisturizers, conditioners and hair treatments start at $10. The 15-year-old’s products, which generated $175,000 in sales, can be found in beauty supply stores in New York, New Jersey and Florida.
Creative Jewelry by Bridgeia’ LLC
Type of business: Custom designed, handcrafted jewelry manufacturer
Founder/CEO: Bridgeja’ Baker
Location: New Orleans
www.creativejewelrybybridgeja.com
After discovering a latent love of handcrafted jewelry during an emergency trip to the orthodontist, Bridgeja’ Baker, 13, developed a signature line of custom jewelry. Made from sterling silver, gold, gemstones, pearls or Swarovski crystals, Creative Jewelry by Bidgeia’ specializes in one-of-a-kind “center of attraction†pieces. For 2010, the company generated $10,000 in revenues. With nearly 30 beading classes under her belt, Baker, who started the business in December 2008, looks to create one-of-a-kind pieces specifically for fashonistas and middle to upper-class women.
AJ’s Hawaiian Iceez
Type of business: Flavor shaved ice cream and frozen deserts vendor
Co-Founder/CEO: Adam N. Holland
Co-Founder/COO: Jonathan K. Holland
Location: Brandywine, Maryland
www.ajsiceez.com
Originally founded during the summer of 2008 to help with their younger sister’s school tuition, 15-year-old Adam and 14-year-old Jonathan Holland’s frozen treats business is now a fledgling family-run enterprise. The Holland brothers sell authentic shaved ice treats at public and private events. With start-up capital from their parents — which was paid back with interest — the brothers generated revenues of $36,000 last year. They now own three ice machines and a trailer that serves as a mobile unit. The two are currently in talks to franchise their business to other teens.