One of the questions I often get asked is, what do I want to be when I grow up?

To be honest, I am not really sure. Do most people know this answer at my age? Do they know when they graduate from high school, college or are in the middle of their careers? I have a hunch that many people struggle with this question a good portion of their lives.

Last fall, my science teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School told me about the Young Entrepreneur Academy program that was being offered by the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. She thought it might be a good fit for me and that I should consider submitting an application to try and be accepted into the program.

I honestly had no idea what a life-changing experience I was about to undergo.

Starting and running a business didn't seem that hard to me on paper. I naively thought I would just think of a product or service to offer and try to see if it took off.

I came home from class one day and felt frustrated that I couldn't think of a good idea for a business. The next day, I took my dog for a walk and before I left I grabbed my sunglasses, tangled headphones and iPhone so I could listen to music on my walk. Suddenly, it hit me, and my company SoundShades was born.

Shortly after having this epiphany, I launched a company called SoundShades. It integrates Bluetooth headphones with sunglasses into one product.

With my business idea, I really felt motivated and passionate about SoundShades. To start a business, these two ingredients are the key to everything else.

Next, with the help of experienced area professionals who served as YEA! mentors, my business plan shaped up nicely and continues to serve as the road map that I follow and edit as I venture further into my small business.

Some important lessons I've learned to start a business include: The importance of humility; gaining feedback from others about your ideas to be sure you stay on trend; and how critical it is to stay connected to the community, your target market and other business leaders.

Being humble and seeking advice isn't a bad thing. It is necessary to make informed decisions and feel more confident in the direction you want to take your business.

Not many 13 year-old kids can say they have written a business plan, conducted market research, pitched their idea to a panel of investors, launched a legal company and have sales on their product.

So, what do I want to be when I grow up? I honestly don't know. But, I do know I am not scared to work hard trying to figure it all out.

More Information

More information The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy!
is seeking student participants interested in forming a business.

An information session is available to students and parents 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Clarke University.

For more information, contact the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce at 563-557-9200 or
office@dubuquechamber.com.