At 12-years-old I was incapable of defining what a startup was, clueless when it came to how to build a business from the ground up. The closest I ever came to sustaining a venture was my weekly summer lemonade stand which only retained some semblance of a profit due to the crazy choreographed dances my cousins and I would preform to "Smile" by Vitamin C. After witnessing our poorly coordinated moves, passerby would chuck in a buck or two simply due to our entertaining stage presence, refusing to sample the sugary substance that they had just more than purchased for fear of the sour taste that was sure to follow (we never did master the lemonade making process).
For me, developing a startup at age 12 would have been nearly impossible because I lacked the guidance and education necessary in order to run one, but nowadays at Westland Middle School, startups are springing up with middle schoolers taking advantage of the after school programs Flex Academies provides, conceiving the next generation of youth-driven entrepreneurs.
A vision turned reality by Josh Chernikoff, president of Flex Academies, the company was built to answer a growing need parents had expressed, a need for reliable and safe after school programs that are high quality, but refrain from burdening PTAs with additional time or liability. They are instrumental in children's growth and ultimately fun for all involved.
On Tuesday I had the privilege to attend one of the Flex Academies most successful and popular programs 'Run Your Own Business' at Westland Middle School in Bethesda, Maryland. Taught by Haroon Butt, an American University alum, the class was focused on evolving 12-year-old middle schoolers into knowledgable and highly passionate entrepreneurs who would leave after 10 weeks of preparation equipped with an understanding of how to develop and organize a business, create a website, build a strong community, and allow for a thriving income.
As I sauntered down the hallways of Westland Middle School ready to meet these up-and-coming innovative minds I expected a group of high energy and all around distracted kids incapable of sitting still to hear each other's pitches (like how I was around that age), but Flex Academies' business bunch exceeded my expectations.
While their sales pitches may not have been perfect, their attitude towards their business proposals was inspiring. They were passionate, excited, and overjoyed to share their tremendous ideas which included snazzy handmade pillowcases, a babysitting company with the motto "We will not be couch potatoes," sweet treats, hot chocolate, and what's sure to be a highly acclaimed jewelry business on Etsy in the future.
With only one week left to go, the nine students involved in the after school program are sad to see their experience come to an end, but their hopes for the future are bright. In fact, they're looking forward to spending the fruits of their labor.
"I want to buy One Direction stuff and clothes," explained Ellen Gray of Snazzy Pillows which makes customizable tie dye pillowcases for $16.50.
"With all the millions I make I'm going to donate some to charity and spend some on myself. I'm not Oprah Winfrey," added co-founder of Snazzy Pillows Gillian Ford.
"I want to go skydiving with my money," exclaimed Liam Griffin, one of the creators of the hot chocolate business. He then proceeded to mention how wonderful of a mentor Haroon has been. "I'm going to invite my good friend Haroon to party once I have money," said Griffin jokingly.
Perhaps they are still kids at heart with dreams of spending their proceeds on band paraphernalia and outlandish adventures, but when it comes to business ventures, they are on the level of high schoolers, college students, even adults as portrayed through their well constructed consumer reports, personally developed websites, and possession of professional business cards all at the age of 12.
They're little kids with big ideas enthralled in a middle school incubator in its purest sense. They help each other without fear of competition and are relentless in their efforts even when it comes to being confronted with problems that adults face on a day-to-day basis.
