The Seeds of My Entrepreneurial Journey
“Looking back on my experience, the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program was not just a competition for me. It was a catalyst that taught me age does not define your ability to create impact. What matters most is curiosity, persistence, and the courage to bring your ideas to life.”
A single seed of curiosity grew a journey that changed the way I see innovation. My experience with the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program taught me how ideas can take root, bloom, and inspire real change. My journey with the program began in eighth grade when I first joined the Invention Lab to get a taste of what entrepreneurship really meant. Even then, I was fascinated by the idea of turning creative concepts into something tangible and impactful. The Invention Lab gave me my first glimpse into what innovation looked like in practice, and I knew I wanted to dive deeper.
The following year, I officially joined the TYE program, and that experience completely transformed the way I think about ideas, teamwork, and leadership. My team and I developed bloom, a sustainable phone case company that designed compostable, seed-embedded phone cases made of 3D-printable biodegradable filament. When planted, these cases would break down naturally and grow native flowers, giving new life to what would otherwise be waste. It was a small idea with a big mission to merge technology, sustainability, and creativity.
After months of research, prototyping, and refining our pitch, my team placed third at the state competition, which was an incredible milestone. But more valuable than the recognition were the lessons I learned along the way.
Through TYE, I discovered what it truly means to be an entrepreneur. I learned that an entrepreneur is not just someone who comes up with ideas, but someone who takes initiative, solves problems, and learns to adapt. I gained a deeper understanding of business fundamentals such as prototyping, financial modeling, and customer validation. I also learned the power of storytelling, and how to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, especially when pitching to judges and investors.
Working with my team taught me the importance of collaboration and leadership. Every person brought something unique to the table, and I learned how to listen, delegate, and motivate others while also standing up for my ideas. There were challenges, including moments when designs failed or feedback felt overwhelming, but those experiences built my resilience and confidence.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the journey was how much it shaped me personally. TYE pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me find my voice, and showed me how passion and purpose can come together to create meaningful change. It inspired me to keep exploring the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and technology, and to keep dreaming bigger.
Looking back on my experience, the TiE Young Entrepreneurs program was not just a competition for me. It was a catalyst that taught me age does not define your ability to create impact. What matters most is curiosity, persistence, and the courage to bring your ideas to life.
