A direct link to the pandemic, small businesses, and Gen Z… a modern success story on two women entrepreneurs

Only six percent of entrepreneurs are between the ages of 20 and 30. 

T’Kyzha McKinzy is a theatre arts major who runs a jewelry business, Charmed by Tee Monai, where she sells custom jewelry and accessories. McKinzy started her business as a sophomore in high school.

Naya Alford is a biology major who runs a hair company, Dream Galor Hair Co., where she “sells hair extensions and confidence.”

“I love the idea of being able to switch up my style and change my hair. Hair extensions aren’t just to add length but bring more confidence to what you already have,” Alford says.

Alford first came up with the idea to sell hair extensions freshman year of high school, and then in the summer of 2021, she officially launched her business.

Both women attend Clark Atlanta University and are attacking the pressures of being a student and the struggles of being an entrepreneur with grace.

Alford states that she has an okay balance between work and school and is learning every day. 

“I do this by maintaining a positive mindset, taking it day by day, and creating a to-do list every day to create a well-organized workload.”

McKinzy says that she has a good balance of school, work and life by reminding herself why it is so important for her to stay on track. 

“I can say at times it does get a little hectic and there are times where I’m so involved with school and extracurriculars I tend to fall behind on my business plans. Whenever I catch myself doing that I also remind myself of why to get back on track.”

Entrepreneurship has increased by 29 percent during the pandemic. It is known that the pandemic shifted society globally and the mindsets of the working class in this economy. Many realized that juggling work, school, family, and free time was draining after the pandemic gave those who hustled every week, a chance to relax. During this time many picked up hobbies, caught up on rest, and started a business. 

During the pandemic, the rise of #BuyBlack and #SupportBlackBusinesses (stemming from the police protests), and #BuySmall and #SupportSmallBusinesses (stemming from the economic decline) hashtags and movements created a tighter community for those who had small businesses and those who desired to have their own.

Facebook in May of 2020 began promoting the hashtag #SupportSmallBusinesses encouraging users to share a small business they love.

Why are so many young people creating small businesses? 

The direct link between the youth and social media is based on trends. When you see tens of hundreds of small businesses daily on various social apps as opposed to only seeing businesses on your drive to the supermarket or work pre-social media, it is hard to not be influenced.

It has become very normal to see your friends and mutual followers create successful small businesses thus creating a positive community for creative and business-savvy individuals. 

As of April 2021, there are 4.33 billion active social media users stretched across all platforms, which totals up to over half of the world’s population. On average users spend around 2.5 hours of the day on apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, according to Tech Jury, the days of word-to-mouth, business cards, and newspaper ads are out and the power of social media is in. 

So the short answer is, it’s easy with quicker reward.

McKinzy and Alford both agree that it is substantially challenging to have a small business while being in school but also agree that it is very rewarding.

“As an entrepreneur, you have personal and professional freedom, which allows you to manage things a little easier”, Alford says.

“It’s very rewarding, especially at the end of each year… I highlight each state I have received orders from. Just to know that people all over love my products is a different type of feeling”, McKinzy says.