3 Entrepreneurial Women Under 20

Written by: Courtney

What if I told you a child was their own CEO? Can you imagine a child running a business? How about a child creating and operating a successful company? This may seem unrealistic, but the world is changing and growing and these young women are here to prove it.

So the saying goes, “good things come in small packages”, and these small but mighty girls bosses are here to prove it. I’m going to share their stories with you, and I’m sure you’ll be just as astonished and proud as I was after discovering them.

Leanna Archer – Leanna’s Hair Essentials 

Leanna Archer was only nine years old when she started her trek to becoming the CEO of her own company. Archer entered the cosmetics world with her grandmother’s secret hair care recipe. She unveiled a line of organic hair products, which feature many shampoos and conditioners. At the age of 17, Archer became the CEO of her company, Leanna’s Hair Essentials.

Being of Haitian descent, Archer wanted to find a way to give back to her people. In 2008,  Archer used some of her earnings from Leanna’s Hair Essentials to create a foundation in her name. The Leanna Archer Education Foundation is dedicated to helping children in Haiti. 

Alina Morse – Zollipops 

Alina Morse was only seven years old when the idea that would be the cause of all her success came to her. One lucky day, Morse accompanied her father to the bank where she was offered a lollipop from the teller. She had to kindly decline the sweet temptation, as she knew it was bad for her teeth. 

This was a defining moment for Morse, as it ignited her initial idea of creating a lollipop that is good for your teeth. With the help of her father, Morse brought this idea to life. Now, she has a multi-million dollar company that creates and sells all-natural, vegan, sugar-free candy.  

Lily Born – Kangaroo Cups 

Lily Born was just seven years old when she invented the Kangaroo Cup. The idea for the product came to her after noticing her grandfather often spilling his drinks, due to his Parkinson’s Disease. Born’s company makes both plastic and ceramic no-spill cups, for a more accessible and mess-free experience. 

The Kangaroo Cup is supported by three equal-sized legs, making the cup easy to hold. This feature is what gives the cup it’s name, as kangaroos use their tail as a “third leg” for stability. Born’s design hasn’t gone unrecognized. She has received many rewards for her invention, but the biggest for her is that the Kangaroo cup is the only cup her grandfather will use. 

Let this be your sign

Just because these talented young women started on their entrepreneurial paths at a very early age, doesn’t mean that you can’t start on yours at the age you are now. As we’ve seen, it’s never too early to start that journey. 

That being said, it’s never too late to put your ideas into action either. If you’ve got an idea, don’t hesitate. Go for it! Just as these talented young women did. After all, every success starts with a simple idea and the courage to help it grow. 

Edited by: Hayden