After Hurricane Idalia hit Florida in 2023, 10-year-old Sophia Hubbard volunteered to help clear debris from her neighbor’s yard.
After unexpectedly receiving cash for her services, she was inspired to start a business. Sophia wanted to make money, so she recognized the need for temporary tattoos in a more artistic way and began her work.
After investing in a mobile parlor and purchasing supplies last fall, Sophia launched her temporary tattoo business, Tofu Tattoo. “I really wanted to do this and it’s really exciting,” Sophia said. “I love getting tattoos.”
Using a spray bottle and a paper towel, Sophia presses the tattoo strip onto the client’s skin and holds it for 30 seconds. The strip is then peeled off and the tattoo is imprinted.
In north-central Florida, young people are stepping into the realm of business ownership, defying age stereotypes and channeling their entrepreneurial spirit.
According to Statista, in 2022, approximately 77% of individuals between the ages of 14 and 21 will already be earning their own income, and 42% will express confidence in their ability to invent something that will revolutionize the world. Masu.
Sophia’s admiration for art and service to others fueled her temporary tattoo business. Her ambitious fourth graders attend birthday parties, parks, arcades, and recreation centers and interact with other children and families.
Tofu Tattoo is currently donation-only, and Sophia uses her funds to give back to others. She often buys school supplies and snacks for her teachers and takes her siblings on memorable experiences such as field trips to museums.
To date, she has raised an estimated $300 and hopes to expand her giving beyond donations in the future.
Sophia’s mother, Nicole Hubbard, 36, said she supports her daughter’s goals. “It’s so empowering,” she said. “They are [kids] I enjoy talking to others and meeting new people. ”
Sofia also has “employees” who distribute donations to other children who help hand out tattoos.
34th Street Bouncer manager Kayla Stanley invited Sophia to hand out tattoos at the entertainment center early last month. “I loved seeing the friendships formed and the kids blossoming,” she said. Stanley’s 6-year-old daughter, Kennedy, helped Sophia promote tattoos at Bouncers, and the two became friends.
Another young entrepreneur, Riley Dixon, 16, is also an inspiration to other young business leaders. Despite facing the many challenges that come with Down syndrome, Riley is the founder and operator of Up Down Girl Skin Care Products.
“My dad gave me the idea. It started as a summer project to learn and gain experience from the job market,” Dixon said.
Reflecting on her past experiences with other skin care products, Riley realized the importance of catering to sensitive skin. Determined to address this pervasive problem, she developed a comprehensive and accessible skin care line. With the support of her family and her strong desire to become a business owner, she turned her vision of herself into reality.
“At first we both thought she was too young and naive, but she proved us wrong,” said her father, Jim.・Mr. Dixon said.
Up Down Girl Skin Care Products offers a variety of product essentials that are all made with 100% pure natural ingredients, except for the lip balm fragrance. From soothing lip scrubs to refreshing eye creams, each product is made with homemade beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E, essential oils, and mica powder.
Riley aims to manage all aspects of the business with professionalism and dedication, and receives minimal assistance from her parents with product development, marketing, and customer service. In fact, her attention to detail and her commitment to quality have earned her praise from her customers and colleagues alike.
“Her honey-lavender lip scrub feels like a warm hug on my skin every day,” said Julia Fisher, 26, a nurse from Alachua. “It’s not just a routine, it’s a daily self-care ritual,” Fisher said.
At just 10 years old, Angelina DePasquale is far from your average fifth grader and is a standout in the child entrepreneurship world.
Angelina founded Ocala Knockerball in February 2023 with her mother, Christine. The concept is simple, yet interesting. Participants climb into large inflatable bubbles and bounce, roll and collide with each other as they complete a variety of games and challenges.
Angelina’s journey began with a simple but profound moment of inspiration. As her 10th birthday approached, Angelina found herself looking for the perfect party idea.
“God led us down this path and the idea for Knockerball fell into our laps,” the mother said. With dedication, Angelina turned this idea into a successful business venture.
She now hosts events almost every weekend and travels all over Florida for birthday parties, church, and summer camp events.
“Thank you young woman,” Ashley Camacho wrote in a Facebook review, praising the fact that Angelina became a business owner at such a young age.
“A lot of kids say, ‘This is what I’ll be like when I grow up,’ but I say this is what I’ll be like today,” she said. “I try to tell my kids that they can do whatever they want today.”
