Colby R. Eggleston and Kyla Lee Entrepreneurship Award

An inventor is someone who creates something new and creative that can help society in innovative and efficient ways. It is also someone who may decide to, say, make a parachute for her Barbie out of a plastic grocery bag, hypothetically, of course... I am an inventor because I believe that every object has potential to become something else, something no one has thought of before that is just waiting to be discovered. Overcoming the monotonous idea that tangible objects have limits is key to learning how to be an inventor. My invention of a self-correcting glasses kit has become the startup company I run today, called WeyeZE. It is a way to give sight to people who do not have access to vision care. My invention includes a base corrective lens in a glasses frame for either a nearsighted or a farsighted individual. Each glasses kit comes with specialization options to customize the glasses to the individual's needs. We have just done our first round of beta testing and are excited to run the first pilot program in February. This business started with the idea of providing it to my local community in rural North Carolina. As I've grown and am currently a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, I've realized that my business will help many people including those in my local community. I’ve ideated something that no one has done before, and most importantly, its purpose is to benefit others in their basic right which is not just sight, but clear vision. My vision for WeyeZE, if you’ll forgive the pun, started with a March 2018 article in the New York Times about the lack of affordable vision care worldwide. Having suffered from myopia myself, I knew how difficult it would be to try to accomplish anything in a world without corrective lenses, and was amazed at how prevalent the problem is in underdeveloped countries. Where others focus, nobly, on clean water or disease prevention, I was captivated by the idea that there had to be some method by which people without easy access to Western ophthalmological equipment could have their vision corrected anyway. After all, without good vision, people cannot read, and without the ability to read, long-term development is practically impossible. If I thought that education needs to become a priority in undeveloped nations, proper eye care was a hurdle I’d never considered before. I began to research both the economic and social side of the problem and the optometric side, because without understanding both I could not solve either. Dual enrolled at Stanford University Online High School and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), I found resources and mentors able to help me tackle both. I did research at NCSSM on vision care as a fundamental human right, through my Research Experience in the Humanities class, and an economic impact study at NCSSM as part of an internship program in computational science. I met with engineers who mentored me through the process of developing self-prescribing lenses with the use of, essentially, stickers, and won a $550 microgrant to develop a prototype. I couldn’t stop there, however, as I would need more to make my vision a reality. Currently, I am a full-time student at UNC Chapel Hill. I have raised over $60,000 in non-dilutive funding for WeyeZE, and will be running the first pilot program in North Carolina on 50 people in February of 2024. I will continue to develop my business with creativity and always the motivation to make the world a better place with my business.

Embarking on the journey of creating my own poultry farm, building upon the foundation of experience gained from working alongside my father, holds the promise of not only personal growth but also substantial contributions to the well-being of my local community in Cullman, Alabama. This envisioned poultry farm wouldn't merely be a venture; it would be a source of fresh sustenance, job opportunities, and a demonstration of sustainable practices that resonate with the values of our community. One of the most significant ways my poultry farm could positively impact the community is by providing a local source of fresh and high-quality poultry products. In a world where the origins of our food are becoming increasingly distant, having locally produced options matters. Residents of Cullman would have the opportunity to access wholesome poultry products that are free from the logistical challenges associated with long-distance transportation. This not only supports the overall health of the community but also encourages a stronger connection between the producers and consumers. Furthermore, establishing my own poultry farm would create job opportunities within the community. This aspect is particularly significant given the economic landscape. By hiring local individuals to manage the farm, care for the birds, handle distribution, and oversee operations, I would be contributing to reducing unemployment rates and bolstering the financial stability of my fellow community members. The positive ripple effects of job creation extend beyond individual households, strengthening the fabric of the entire community. Sustainability and responsible practices would be at the core of my poultry farm's ethos. Implementing environmentally conscious strategies, such as efficient waste management and resource optimization, would showcase the viability of sustainable agriculture. This commitment resonates with the growing trend of consumers who prioritize eco-friendly choices. By leading with these values, my poultry farm would contribute to raising awareness about the importance of responsible farming practices and inspire others in the community to adopt similar approaches. Developing this business would require meticulous planning and strategic steps. I would start by conducting thorough market research to understand local demand and preferences. Armed with this knowledge, I'd craft a comprehensive business plan outlining production goals, financial projections, and marketing strategies. Selecting a suitable location for the farm, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring compliance with local regulations would be fundamental steps in creating a strong foundation. Choosing the right breed of poultry, sourcing chicks from reputable suppliers, and focusing on their well-being through proper care and nutrition would be crucial. Building the necessary infrastructure, such as well-designed poultry houses and waste management systems, would be key to ensuring the farm's efficiency and sustainability. Engaging with the local community would be an ongoing endeavor. Open-house events, workshops, and educational initiatives would not only foster transparency but also create a sense of shared ownership in the success of the farm. Embracing technology for efficient operations and marketing would enable me to connect with a broader audience, thereby expanding the farm's impact. In conclusion, the prospect of creating my own poultry farm is an exciting journey that holds the potential to significantly benefit my local community in Cullman, Alabama. By offering fresh produce, generating employment opportunities, and embodying sustainable practices, the farm would stand as a beacon of positive change. Grounded in a sense of responsibility and community connection, this venture is more than a business; it's a transformative force that aligns with the values and aspirations of Cullman's residents.

In the summer of 2022, I started my own ATM business. I install ATMs for free inside local businesses and provide cash for their customers. This saves the local stores money as they don't have to pay for a credit card processor. I didn't just stop at stationary ATMs, farmers' markets, flea markets, and street festivals all have vendors that need cash. I would coordinate with event organizers and put my ATMs around vendor tents. This brought a lot more cash to people who could benefit from saving on credit card fees. Most business owners end up paying almost 3% of their revenue just to process card transactions, so a free ATM in their store can save them thousands annually. My company helps my community by empowering other small businesses. Small businesses are the charm and spark in most communities. Without local entrepreneurs, the world would just be one big Walmart. My company helps these businesses keep more of the money they make. Most people have never heard of my business model. They think I am going to ask them for rent or lock them into a contract they can't escape. When I make my money from their customers paying a transaction fee and not the business itself. More often than not I end up giving a portion of the transaction fees from my machines to the business owners for letting me keep my machine there. This surprises some, but any good location will demand this. I need to further develop my company by breaking into digital marketing. I have found all of my leads through door-to-door sales and phone calls with the business owner. If I had a way for businesses to reach out to me I wouldn't have to spend so much time cold calling. My plans for this are a website and social media marketing. It seems like the best way to get eyes on your product is through the internet, however finding a place to advertise to business owners is the tricky part. Targeted ads and social media algorithms only go so far, so I need to find what other people in my industry are doing. Another way to scale would be to completely automate my company. Currently, I am the one filling and servicing my machines. Most larger companies pay a cash vaulter to load their machines for them, making the income completely passive and hands-off. I haven't done this to increase my profit margin, but as I transfer to college I will need to complete this step. Hopefully, my school will help prepare me for more challenges I face up the road. I want to create financial plans, and even learn how to attract investors. I can't wait to leverage my college degree when I forge my path as an entrepreneur.

In early 2020, just as COVID-19 was shutting down society around the world, I began looking for a job. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that there weren’t any available. I then had the idea to create my own job, where I would experience the freedoms of self-employment, earn money, and hopefully contribute to society. For a few years before this point, my father had been keeping two beehives on our property, harvesting honey for our family and friends. Because of the pandemic, I now saw this as an opportunity for me to explore my interest in bees, while also learning about business in a hands-on way. I started by using my artistic background (having gone to an artsy school for 14 years) to create a logo and brand for my new business, Ha’iku Hives. I then built a website with the support of my father, and began managing all correspondence, delivery and shipping of our honey. During my time growing the business, I have learned valuable lessons in leadership as well as how to advocate for myself. I’ve expanded the operation from two to five hives, split in two locations, and currently produce over 500 lbs of honey a year. In addition to selling to many local customers, and a food truck, I regularly ship our raw Maui honey as far as New York, Massachusetts, and Texas. More importantly, I was able to make connections with a variety of people even during the pandemic when everyone was socially distancing. Being able to bring some extra joy to their lives from a jar of honey was extremely gratifying, and that inspired me to help different communities in other ways. Currently, 10% of profits are donated to different charities, including the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project – an important habitat for native Hawaiian bees – and to the Maui Food Bank. When asking my friends and family for words that describe me, “creative” is always listed in the top three. Both of my parents are artists, as are several other family members and friends. At my small school that encourages creative thinking, art is incorporated into almost every one of our assignments alongside the standard academic material. Being surrounded by this environment for my entire life, I’ve had many opportunities to come up with new ideas, thoughts, and artistic creations. Having to go the extra mile to find my unique, creative voice has challenged me to look at things from multiple perspectives.

I feel like this essay question was speaking directly to me. I was that scared teenager with an idea and not quite sure how to help or how to get started so I dove right in! I made mistakes and learned a lot. And I truly learned firsthand that it is really meaningful to run a business while helping your community. This is my story of the business I did create and my even bigger plans ahead. Eight years ago and each subsequent winter, I distributed warm food in parks around New Haven, CT. I was able to speak to a number of homeless folks, many of them in their twenties, about the challenges of holding a job and having a stable home. I knew I wanted to do something more than just give them a meal so I came up with the idea of Hedgehog Beanies. My plan was straightforward. I’d sell winter hats. For each one sold, I would donate a hat, socks, and gloves to someone who was homeless. All proceeds went to support the homeless and homeless organizations. My first challenge: I knew nothing about business and even less about fashion! But I read, researched, and spoke with people who did. I gathered confidence and all the money I earned from being a hockey referee (well-earned after dealing with hockey parents) and bought my first inventory of winter beanies. I launched my one-man operation and took a crash course in marketing, distribution, and pandemic supply chain management. It was manageable and modest when orders trickled in. That is, until a local newspaper spotlight followed by regional media coverage exponentially increased orders. School-nights spent fulfilling orders until 3am signaled my approach needed an overhaul. And while I was slightly intimidated by the demand, in retrospect I am thankful for the resulting, incredibly formative journey it created. I was forced to think differently about the business and create partnerships. I had initially conceived of this work in a rather linear, isolated way. I was surprised to discover the personal reward and efficiency of connecting with like-minded people. I’d call suppliers asking for discounts and expedited shipping but only became successful once I shared my story. I found clothing store owners who loved the mission and wanted to help sell beanies in their stores. I started offline sales at farmers markets to personalize the outreach to small businesses and people in local communities. It was cool connecting with those who really cared about this issue. I am proud this idea has now warmed the heads of 18,000 homeless people across the U.S. I have also done my best to advocate for issues impacting this community. I also got smarter running the business and those efficiencies allowed me to donate over $25,000 to support organizations focused on transitioning those that are homeless into stable housing. I had to get way out of my comfort zone to get this business going but doing so taught me so much. I failed a bunch but kept learning. As to the future, I am really passionate about what can come next. Data and local projects have shown that those that are homeless cannot address all of their needs unless they have a stable and reliable home. I want to initiate my own not-for-profit that does just that. And I want to do it in partnership with other community organizations that can help support this community as they get their feet back on the ground. I would love the support to get this going!