Evelyn Murphy began painting her pet chickens for fun, but after showing her work to friends and family, she soon realized she could turn this hobby into a business.  Evelyn has since expanded Pollo Nugget Studio to include her original chicken art, sketchbooks, and custom paintings for clients. Her unique style and bright colors attract customers to learn more about her business and her story.  Judges loved that Evelyn stays true to herself in her artwork, commenting, “Keep being who you are and people will gravitate to that!”

Shop Small at YouthBiz Marketplace: Evelyn’s Story

Janet Redwine Events, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Lakewood resident and Denver Academy junior Evelyn Murphy has turned her passion for art into a business, Pollo Nugget Studio.  By participating in the YouthBiz Marketplace, she’s selling her products directly to consumers looking to shop small this holiday season. Pollo Nugget Studio’s signature collection features Evelyn’s original paintings and prints of chickens.  Colorful, bright, and full of personality, the …

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Shop Small at YouthBiz Marketplace: Reina’s Story

Janet Redwine Events, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Centennial resident and high school freshman Reina Crowley is on a mission to reduce the amount of food people waste through her business Mile High Freeze Dry.  Purchase her products (and so many others from youth-owned businesses!) at the YouthBiz Holiday Marketplace, which opens today! Mile High Freeze Dry specializes in freeze-dried fruit, candy, ice cream, and more.  According to …

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Tips for Entrepreneurs

Young Americans Center for Financial Education YouthBiz 1 Comment

Young Americans Center for Financial Education has an incredible program called YouthBiz where kids can learn all about becoming an entrepreneur.  From learning the basics of how to run a business to marketing and selling your product, YouthBiz allows young people to participate in all levels of entrepreneurship.  I was fortunate to attend Denver Startup Week in 2017, and the …

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Young Americans COVID-19 Updates

Janet Redwine General 2 Comments

Thank you for your support of Young Americans Center for Financial Education and Young Americans Bank.  As the safety and health of our customers and constituents is our top priority, we are doing our part to follow guidelines set forth by health and school district officials.  Please know we are taking precautions, outlined here, to help us all stay healthy. …

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2020 YouthBiz Star Winner Cardbound, LLC

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Young Americans Center for Financial Education recognizes and congratulates Leonard Shearer for his business accomplishments!  Leonard is the 18-year-old owner of  Cardbound LLC, the 2020 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars winner in the 16-21 age category. After discovering a love for web-based sales with his dad, Leonard realized he wanted to find something new and unique he could sell. Drawing on his years …

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2020 YouthBiz Star Winner Sewing with Smiles LLC

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Congratulations are in order for 13-year-old Maile McManis, the owner of Sewing with Smiles LLC and winner of the 2020 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition in the 12-15 age category. Sewing with Smiles began in 2018 when Maile discovered her mother’s old sewing machine, gifted by her grandmother. Since Maile’s mom had never picked up sewing, the machine sat unused until …

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2020 YouthBiz Star Winner Olaf’s Dog Cookies

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Young Americans Center for Financial Education is so pleased to introduce Julia Doolittle, the 9-year-old owner of Olaf’s Dog Cookies and winner of the 2020 Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars business competition in the 6-11 age category. It has only been 8 months since Julia started her dog business, as a solution to calm and entice her untrained dog during their walks …

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Youth Entrepreneurs Shine at Annual Awards Gala

Janet Redwine Events, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Young Americans Center for Financial Education celebrated the accomplishments of Colorado youth business owners at the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars award ceremony and gala, presented by CoBank.  This annual event was held virtually Thursday, October 1. Beyond sales and customers, it’s clear that these entrepreneurs have gained much through business ownership and will continue to excel, thanks in part to a year-long mentorship with a Denver business …

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Where are they now: Lessons Learned through Ryder’s Riches LLC

Janet Redwine Events, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Ryder Matz, the 11-year-old owner of Ryder’s Riches LLC, started out the year strong.  He worked with his mentor Leroy Williams, Founder and CEO of CyberTeKIQ, to create a business plan.  He acquired a new gumball machine, effectively doubling his Travelling Gumball Machines that spend time visiting shops and restaurants in the Lafayette, Louisville, and Boulder area.  The Town of …

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Youth Entrepreneurs Join Denver Startup Week

Janet Redwine Events, YouthBiz Leave a Comment

Denver Startup Week went virtual this year, and young entrepreneurs were thrilled to take part!  This year’s YouthPass events included a Pitch Challenge on Monday, September 14 and a Maker Track panel discussion on Tuesday, September 15. When two teen entrepreneurs competed in Denver Startup Week’s Pitch Competition last year, few expected that they would take home the Grand Prize, …