2007 were $820,000.
Halliman ensures that Mist H2O stands out from the competition by focusing not only on taste, but on appearance. Designed by Halliman himself, the bottle is a sleek casing of heavy-grade, European glass. This year, Mist H2O Premium Spring Water was awarded a gold medal in the People’s Choice for Package Design category at the 18th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting event. The company anticipates surpassing the million-dollar mark in 2008, with projections of $1.4 million by year-end. Lucid Enterprises’ latest product is Blast 2 Fitness Water, which is scheduled to launch in this year. Though the company began by selling five-gallon water bottles and filtration systems, Lucid is striking out on its own to make itself a quenching distinction in the beverage market.
TEENPRENEUR AWARD NOMINEES
This award recognizes entrepreneurs age 18 and under who serve as role models and are committed to advancing the rich tradition of black business achievement.
Rizon Esthetics
TYPE OF BUSINESS Clothing
CEO/PRESIDENT Derron O. Scott Jr.
LOCATION Upper Marlboro, MD
www.RizonEsthetics.com
Derron O. Scott Jr. is a walking billboard, showcasing the clothes that have taken him from high schooler to entrepreneur. The 17-year-old’s company, Rizon Esthetics, offers clothing and shoes geared toward what Scott calls the “young urban trendsetters.” Founded with the help of his mother in 2004, Scott designs apparel (shirts, shoes, and hats) using a fusion of colorful freestyle art and screen-print designs. Scott’s mother serves as manager, but he also has an event coordinator, a business coach, as well as creative and marketing teams.
In addition to developing new products, Scott meets with store owners, handles bookkeeping, and updates the company’s blog. For 2008, the five-employee company is already poised to surpass 2007’s revenues of $23,000. Scott uses MySpace and YouTube to help promote his apparel, and says the business generates about $5,000 per month in revenues. He recycles much of those funds back into the business, he says, with the production of his collections, and an e-commerce site.
Lizzy’s Lines
TYPE OF BUSINESS Greeting Cards
CEO/PRESIDENT Sara “Lizzy B” Solomon
LOCATION Nashville
Sara “Lizzy B” Solomon is on a mission to help others. Her company, Lizzy’s Lines, makes greeting, note cards, and calendars that depict children with special needs living life to the fullest. The 14-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, knows the importance of seeing positive images of people just like her.
Since starting Lizzy’s Lines in 2004 with the help of her mother, sister, and friends, the young advocate’s labor of love has seen steady growth. Revenues in 2007 were $1,800 and projected earnings for 2008 are $2,000. Local educational/training facilities and supply companies focusing on those with special needs are among Lizzy’s Lines’ clients. Solomon’s products, which she conceptualizes herself and designs with the help of an artist, depict kids and teens playfully interacting with others in everyday activities. Shopping, going to the movies, and enjoying birthday parties, these are just some of the scenes Solomon portrays in her product line, proving that kids with special needs are more alike than different.
Passive Devices
TYPE OF BUSINESS Technology
CEO/PRESIDENT Krystyn Heath
LOCATION