Right now some teens are spending their days job searching, filling out applications, and interviewing. Not the teens featured below. Instead of going on a job hunt, they created their own job and now spend their days fulfilling orders, creating instagram or tik-tok content, and strategizing how to expand their business.

Just Flip It

Sofia Stein started her business after learning about the effects of fast fashion and how she had contributed to the problem. An idea started bouncing around her head about creating a thrifting business that had a give-back component. Found & Flipped was created with a focus of selling thrifted or thrift flipped clothing in order to fight against fast fashion by donating 10% of revenue to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. It’s not easy being your own boss Sofia shared, “The hardest parts of running my business are staying consistent, being active with my audience, and getting the word out about my business to customers.” Recently, one of her reels hit over 6,000 views, “I’ve only been doing reels for two weeks, so that was really cool to see.” You can support Found & Flipped by purchasing items, engaging with their Instagram, or sharing the business with friends or family.

Making Waves

“I started my business because of the WIT Program. I wouldn’t have started it without

the motivation or guidance. I had the idea for it, but I didn’t know how to put it into action.” Now Elke Farrow is off and selling! Launched in June, High Tide Jewelry sells hand-made necklaces that not only look good, but do good. Part of the profits are donated to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an organization that fights marine poaching. Every time a necklace is purchased, a donation is made. While Elke plans on having fun with friends this summer, she is also focused on her growing business. She shared that, “This summer I definitely want to continue building my business and make more sales. To do that, I have a goal of finding new ways to promote myself, and continuing to create new designs to feature on my shop.”

Creating Change

Lara Samii has spent many hours tutoring in under-resourced schools. She has seen firsthand the impact the lack of resources and supplies has on kids. So instead of just being frustrated about what she has seen, this summer she decided to do something about it by launching Create Opportunity. In a creative twist, she hand designs pencil pouches and uses a percentage of each sale to buy school supplies for schools in need. “My hope is that Create Opportunity will help students have access to the supplies they need to be successful.” Currently, Lara is on a mission to sell enough pouches to purchase enough supplies for an entire grade before school starts in the fall. “One of the biggest challenges I face being a small business owner is getting exposure to the public, but I’m not giving up.”

If you're looking for ways to support young entrepreneurs check out these businesses and if you're a teen looking to make some money this summer, consider creating your own business!

all the teens featured above participate in the WIT - Whatever It Takes program which provides college-credit classes and membership programs for teens who are entrepreneurs or who want to be an entrepreneur!