On a hot summer afternoon in the middle of July, I laid against the thin covers of my bed, aimlessly scrolling as a distraction from the sweltering heat. My phone suddenly chimed, a notification from a friend popping up at the top of the screen. Not thinking much of it, I clicked on her text. 

The message was a video of Mary Rangel, a 14-year-old nail technician. Though I was initially caught off guard by her professionalism at such a young age, it was her prices that piqued my interest the most. 

Compared to other nail salons, which charge extra for additional charms and enhancements, Rangel emphasized her commitment to affordable services.

As I scrolled further on her account, I found a variety of designs. Long, square-shaped nails decorated with small gems and white hibiscus flowers on an ombre pink base reminded me of the intricate creations I had saved to my Pinterest boards — all fashioned by a girl three years younger than me.

Before this encounter, I hadn’t given the idea of profiting off of a hobby much thought. I was aware that many people started up businesses based on their passions and motivations, but to me, most of those people were adults with real jobs and work experience. 

The real shock was how people my age and younger decided to turn their pastimes into something bigger.

Here in Louisville, many teens have turned these passions into newfound purposes. From nail art to sneaker collecting to handmade crafts, they are following an entrepreneurial path that highlights financial independence, creativity and self expression.

Enhanced Nails 

Rangel, now 15 years old, is a freshman at Fairdale High School, and her story began with a trip to the nail salon.

“When I’d go to the shops, I couldn’t really afford them,” Rangel said, “but I would always want to have them done.” 

Like many young women, she wanted to pamper herself — but for some teenagers, these expenses are often covered by their parents.

“Growing up with my immigrant family, I just remember money always being a struggle for all those things that I would want,” Rangel said. “Everything was just always so expensive, so I was like, there has to be a way where I can make it easier and better.”

Tired of the constant ask and answer, she decided to start doing her own nails and, as time went on, found comfort and enjoyment in the activity.

In April 2024, Rangel entered a course in which she obtained a license to practice nail art. Shortly after, she began taking clients. 

Rangel specializes in nail gel extension, also known as Gel-X nails, which is a different technique from other, more popular styles practiced at salons, such as acrylic, dip or regular gel nails. 

Rangel found that this unique style made promoting herself on social media easy. 

She gained a wide following and audience through her consistent posts on Instagram and was able to reach clients throughout and beyond Louisville.

“I just started putting myself out there, letting people know who I am truly, and just letting people understand,” Rangel said. 

Instagram’s algorithm was in her favor, as she had a video go viral with over two million views — the same video that I came across last summer. 

She hopes to continue this business for a long time, and dreams of one day owning her own brick-and-mortar location full of nail technicians. 

“My plan is to just build a big salon for girls who were like me in that situation. They couldn’t really afford the good quality stuff,” Rangel said “I just want that to be known, I want that to be my main market of my business.”

Our Right Side

Harleigh Beumer, 18, a senior at duPont Manual High School, has turned a leisurely hobby of handmade crafting into a flourishing business.

With the guidance and aid of her mom and business partner, Christi, and the support team that is her family, Beumer makes and sells a multitude of things from earrings, sublimation tumblers, American sign language puzzles and embroidery requests.  

Beumer was born with an autoimmune neuromuscular disease affecting one’s muscles. Her personal experience inspired her to make the items that she now sells at flea markets and pop-up shops. 

“I use it as a coping method,” Beumer said. “Everything I do is a coping strategy for me.” 

The name of their business is Our Right Side, a concept stemming from the fact that creativity and imagination develop on the right side of the brain. 

Beumer has always been a creative person. As someone who finds enjoyment in crafting things from scratch for herself and others, she hopes to incorporate her business into her future career.

“My long term goal is to be an occupational therapist,” Beumer said. “I’ll be able to use some of the products we make to help the kids that I work with.” 

Harleigh and Christi Beumer exemplify the successes that may come with creating a business with someone you trust.

Finest Kicks

Twin brothers Tylan and Taylan Walker, 19, opened Finest Kicks, a clothing store specializing in shoe sales, less than a year after they graduated from Fern Creek High School in 2023.

Instead of attending a four-year university like some of their classmates, the twins decided to take a different route: starting their own business.

“We sell shoes, clothes —designer — and everything’s all 100% authentic,” Tylan said. 

The Walkers took inspiration from their parents, who have always worked on their own accord.

The twins’ interest in shoes and fashion was always a big motivator for why they chose this path; rather than working a stereotypical job, they chose to be their own bosses. 

They started off with a limited supply of shoes, but their success has inspired them to expand into a similar, but new horizon: clothing. 

“We first started with probably four rows of shoes on the wall,” Tylan said. “We definitely improved a lot.” 

But the Walker twins don’t plan to stop with an increase in their inventory; they also hope to expand into a better location.

“We’ll probably be doing this for a long time. We’re thinking about relocating and getting a better area,” Taylan said. “It’s improving. It’s definitely improving.”

The twins’ bond has remained strong throughout their time together, and their ability to rely on each other and grow their business has only brought them closer together.

…

There is no guarantee of success or all of the money one could desire when founding a business. The teens have found struggles with opening and operating their businesses, but they’ve put in the work and refused to let challenges discourage them. These young entrepreneurs all unanimously agree that the best thing aspiring business owners can do is not give up. 

“Don’t stop when things are hard,” Beumer said. “Find any ways to try another path or research and figure out what could help you keep going.”

Through consistent perseverance, the success these youth have achieved is all the sweeter. Not only are they chasing their dreams, they are also setting a good example for those looking to follow in their footsteps. At the end of the day, they all get to spend their time doing what they love: turning their greatest passions into greater profit.