Starting a business as a teenager might seem daunting, but with grind and the right mindset, it’s most definitely doable. Take Solesto, for example, a cologne company started by Ramapo students Max Lohman and Giancarlo Demarco. The teens and their team saw that many people their age couldn’t afford high-quality fragrances, so they created their own. The fragrance industry is super competitive, and standing out requires significant effort. There were challenges, like product and production issues, but they kept going and figured it out. The key to success? Stay consistent, even when things are slow, and set clear goals to stay on track.
Another example of young entrepreneurs taking on the business world is Caden Avenski, who started his clothing brand “Comfort over Drip.” The idea came to him back in his sophomore year of high school when he was always wearing comfortable clothes, and his friends would joke that he preferred “comfort over drip.” His friend suggested it could be a great name for a clothing brand, and from there, it all took off.
However, like any entrepreneur, Caden faced his share of struggles. One of the biggest hurdles was finding the money for mockups and marketing. When it came to launching the brand, things didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Caden explained that during the first eight weeks of marketing, the manufacturer lied to them, causing a significant delay in their drop. As a result, the hype around the product faded. But Caden’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Go after what you want with energy. Make mistakes, have fun, learn fast, and keep going. It’s exciting, and don’t give up after failing.”
Whether it’s Max and his persistence in the fragrance business or Caden and his dedication to comfort over trend, both show that with resilience, focus, and the willingness to push through setbacks, young entrepreneurs can succeed.
