Nashville's startup scene is roaring like a Saturday night on Lower Broadway.
Eye-popping funding rounds, multimillion dollar exits and a wave of businesses launching outside of the city's traditional health care ecosystem have elevated Nashville's profile in the startup world, while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to innovate.
To cover this unprecedented era of entrepreneurship in Music City, the Nashville Business Journal is launching a new outlet called Nashville Inno, your go-to source for reporting on early-stage startups and innovative companies and entrepreneurs in Middle Tennessee.
To celebrate Inno's launch, we found six creative Nashville entrepreneurs under the age of 25 that are hustling to build their startups into the city's next success stories. Click on the names below to read more about their companies.
We asked these young entrepreneurs, "What would you tell someone who says you are too young to start a successful business?" Here's what they had to say:
Kayla Vine, Mighty Blendz
“In a way, I think starting a business in your early 20s is the best time. You don’t have nearly as much responsibility and as much to lose as if you were older and married with children! … In just the past few months of launching Mighty Blendz, I have learned far more than my first three years of college.”
Jessica Kaplan and Zoe Antell; Ready, Dress, Go
“I would tell them age does not define success, and in fact, being young and fearless actually is a huge asset as an entrepreneur. Our constant drive to succeed and push past hurdles and challenges is something that comes with being fearless to learn and grow as young entrepreneurs.”
Jordon Washington, GoodPepper
“Ryan Kaji made over $20M in 2020 and has made over $200M selling branded toys. He’s 9. I firmly believe that successful entrepreneurship is more about having the right network and resources, having a product that your audience resonates with and having grit than it is about age.”
Sarah Beth, With the Band
“You are never too young! It is easy to think your young age or lack of experience is a negative, but realize that you are bringing a new perspective to the table that the current industry veterans cannot provide. With the determination to learn as you go and the internet, there is nothing you can’t do!”
Trinity Wiles, Where and Share Inc.
“Age does not dictate if you can be a successful entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is a lot of problem solving and persistence; anyone can do that at any age. My best advice for young entrepreneurs is to establish yourself as a thought leader in whatever industry you’re in. Leverage social media to do this. You’ll be surprised at the opportunities and people that come to you!“
