12-Year Old Offers Tips and Insight on Being a Young Entrepreneur (By: Jasmine York)

By: Jasmine York, contributing writer (@jasminethewriter)

Earlier this year, Hannah Walton became the youngest store owner in Alexander City, Alabama. Before that, this award-winning artist appeared on the “Today Show,” met with representatives in Congress, and launched her nonprofit Art4All, which has brought free art education to over 13,000 children across the southeast.

Hannah has been homeschooled and painting since she was six years old—a talent Hannah and her mom both decided she should pursue. At eight, Hannah sold her first artwork. With help, she began selling her art online at hannahz.com and eventually expanded HannahZ to an art boutique, which houses her hand-made clothing, home-decor and artwork.

Below Hannah opens up about challenges she had to overcome as a young entrepreneur and shares three critical tools every business owner needs to be a success.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

“Some people didn’t take me seriously. They thought it was cute. They kept saying I was too young to paint and that I should just wait until I’m an adult.”

So how did you overcome that?

“I had two mentor artists and my mom encouraged me to go for it and use my imagination. I didn’t want to wait until I was older. I wanted to do it now while I’m still young.”

What type of help did you have in order for you to get started?

“I have an investor, a manufacturer, advisors, and a seamstress. It took about two or three months from the time I launched my website before we got the building for the store.”

What are three critical tools people need to see success in their business?

“I think you need to pursue something you love, you need to have a plan and a plan B. And you need a mentor.”

Currently, Hannah is partnering with an investor to expand her store to other cities including New York, Atlanta, and Birmingham in the Spring. She says her goal is to be a role model for kids to keep going and follow their dreams at any age.

To learn more about Hannah Walton or to check out her handmade pieces, visit hannahz.com.