Today’s youth have a new outlook on how to take control of their careers. According to a survey by the nonprofit organization Junior Achievement USA, “Over 60 percent of teens prefer starting a business over having a traditional job.” Many are even starting their businesses before the age of 18. Three young Charlotte-area entrepreneurs, Gavin and Bryce Lindsay, and Avanna are already making huge strides in business. Here’s a snapshot of how they’ve each jump-started their careers doing what they love.
Avanna – Young VoiceZ
During the covid-19 pandemic, Avanna started honing her gift of writing, observing social challenges and using words to express her feelings. Now as an eighth-grader at A.C.E. Academy Charter School, her passion for writing has blossomed into a business.
Young VoiceZ is a collection of bookmarks, journals, pencils and original poems. Her words drive her mission to support others. At 13 years old, she has a huge heart and concern for her peers, explaining, “I started my business hoping to motivate young people. To advocate for their feelings and opinions about social issues and the world around us.”
Avaana is also a member of her school’s Young Moguls Club where she serves as an editor for the program’s newsletter. Her participation in the club has helped her with marketing, formulating products, logo development and more.
Although she has several years before she graduates from high school, Avanna already knows what she wants to do. “My future goals include being a famous author and an attorney,” she said. In addition, she plans to continue her advocacy for social justice, writing and playing sports.
When Avanna is not writing, she enjoys spending time with friends and being active in softball, volleyball and basketball.
Gavin Lindsay – GlindzVisuals
Gavin started his photography business GlindzVisuals in early July 2022. He said he loves capturing moments and details through his work. He got his hands on his first DSLR camera in his sophomore year during videography class.
Now an 11th-grader at Covenant Day School in Matthews, North Carolina, he said he can’t put the camera down. Perfecting the details and moments drives his creativity. “My goal is to capture my clients in their best light and to show off their greatness,” he said. In addition, he wants his subjects to know they are essential. “Everyone is special, and the world should see it.”
Gavin credits his strong work ethic at 17 years old to the dedication he applies to his craft. “A lesson that I’ve learned is that consistency and patience pay off,” he said. He’s keeping his skills sharp with a year-long school photography course that covers shooting styles, lighting and more.
Five years from now, Gavin plans to be a college graduate with a degree in Digital Marketing and a minor in photography. He also has big plans for the growth of his brand. Working as a sports photographer for the NBA is also on his goal list.
Although they have separate businesses, Gavin said he’s learned a lot and collaborated with his older brother Bryce on a few projects.
An honors student at North Carolina A&T State University studying Supply Chain Management, Bryce Lindsay (Gavin’s brother) started his photography business, ShotsbyBryceLindsay, as a senior at Covenant Day School.
A photography class sparked his interest and from then on, his camera never left his side. “I found myself taking my camera to games and other events,” he explained. He started posting his images on Instagram and quickly gained a following.
Creating a quality experience is extremely important to Bryce. He describes his work as a “photoshoot experience” that “delivers high-quality pictures for every client.” Some of his work includes graduations, proms and tournaments. He recently collaborated with his brother Gavin on a University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduation project.
When he’s not shooting, gaming or hanging out with friends, he’s serving as an Honors Ambassador with North Carolina A&T.
At 19, Bryce plans to complete his undergraduate degree and obtain his MBA. He also wants to advance his photography business.
Family support
When asked who their most significant role model or mentor was, the teens unanimously said their family.
Avanna expressed her profound appreciation for her mother. “She’s my role model because she proves every day that she can do work and still put me and my sister first,” she said. Avanna’s mother, Joyce L. Figueroa, added that being hands-on with her daughter’s business is essential. Figueroa said she invests in materials, believes in her and spends many hours helping her produce products.
With businesses in the same field, brothers Gavin and Bryce have a strong bond of mutual support. Gavin candidly shares, “My brother has helped me and my parents are alongside me every step of the way.”
Bryce expressed the same sentiments. “[My parents] pushed me to excel in every area of life– taught me to give 100 percent in everything,” he said. Outside of his family, he credits his mentor Nick (@shiftyflicks on Instagram) for teaching him the concepts and business of photography.
Parents Yolanda and Dedric Lindsay support Gavin and Bryce by acting as managers and business consultants. They handle their bookings and proposals. “We ensure they have full ownership and creative rights to their brand and platform. It’s been fun to watch them evolve as photographers and independent thinkers over the last few years,” Dedric said.
Advice for future entrepreneurs
Bryce has some words of encouragement for other young aspiring entrepreneurs. First, investing in yourself is extremely important, he said. “Be patient and stick to your craft, continue practicing, researching — then pay it forward and help others grow their crafts too.”
Gavin’s advice: “Just go for it. If you want to create something, create it. What is there to lose?”
Avanna says it’s about believing in yourself. She shares the motto: “If you dream it, you can achieve it.”