The saying “Age ain’t nothing but a number†seems to be more and more true as we look at the career accomplishments that have been made by young people over time. From signing music contracts, to acting and starting their own business all before the age of 21, below are some of the top young bosses in the making who we should keep on our radar.
Deyjah Harris: You may have seen her on a couple of episodes of her dad’s reality show “TI & Tiny: The Family Hustle,†but now the young Harris is stepping into a light of her own as she will be making her acting debut in the Atlanta-based sitcom “All For MyLove†reportedly alongside Oprah’s goddaughter Hannah Cartwright. Clearly, from the oldest the youngest it’s safe to say that the whole Harris clan is destined for greatness.
Reginae Carter: Baby Carter has been talking for a while about a singing and fashion career, and now the 14-year-old is finally making her dreams a reality. Not only is Reginae a newly signed artist under her dad, Lil Wayne’s, record label, but she also offers her expertise to the YMCMB Princess fashion line for girls, proving to be the true definition of young money.
Quvenzhane Wallis: Her Oscar-nominated role in “Beasts of the Southern Wild†made her the topic of media discussion as she’s the youngest person to ever receive such recognition. At just 9-years-old, Wallis’ cute and sassy personality has us constantly wanting more and that’s why we were thrilled to hear that she will be starring as Annie in the upcoming musical remake.
Leanna Archer: At just 9-years-old Leanna obtained a business license and created Leanna’s, Inc., which sells beauty products for skin and hair. At 13, she was the youngest person ever to ring the New York Stock Exchange bell and now at age 17 she has expanded her entrepreneurial resume to include philanthropy after a business trip to Haiti caused her to create the Leanna Archer Foundation, which provides food and shelter to homeless children. It’s no wonder The Root picked the young boss to be a part of their 2013 Young Futurists list.
Jaden Smith: He stole our hearts with his acting debut years ago alongside his dad in the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness†and ever since then he’s been on our radar with his new career ventures. Now, at 14-years-old the youngest son of the Hollywood family is branching outside of his acting and music career and into fashion, with his latest clothing line “MSFTS.†Proving to be wiser beyond his years, the young teen tells Vibe that he usually opts out of watching reality television to view Steve Job interviews and other things that will make him smart. Taking notes from the once head honcho of Apple! Clearly, Jaden was born to be a boss.
Chental-Song Bembry: At 16-years-old, Bembry is a self-published author and youth ambassador for literacy organizations like LiteracyNation and Mission EduCare. Her story-telling started at the age of 10 when she created three characters and wrote a book series on them titled The Honey Bunch Kids. Combining her love for creative writing and desire to help with the literacy of other kids, Bembry shows that it’s never too early to turn your passion into a career.
Karma Bridges: Earning herself a spot on The Grio’s 100 list last year at the tender age of 10, Bridges shows that she clearly has her father’s entrepreneurial mindset. In 2011, she and her father, Ludacris, launched an educational website for children in grades 1-6, helping to show kids that learning can be fun as well.
Keke Palmer: At 19, Palmer’s resume matches that of an entertainment veteran with singer, actress, fashion designer and community activist under her belt. With reports revealing that she will channel Rozando ‘Chilli’ Thomas in the upcoming TLC biopic, it’s evident that the roles and opportunities keep lining up for the “Akeelah and the Bee†star.