Two inspirational and inspiring young entrepreneurs

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While many teens and young adults are doing the usual thing - be it going to school or embarking on internships and first jobs - there are some young people out there with an entrepreneurial spirit that just can't wait to flourish.

When an inventive idea sets in, go-getters like Hart Main and Caroline Pugh are ready to leap into action, using their youthful passion, energy, and intelligence to create new things and make a difference. Read on to learn more about the impressive two and what they have already accomplished in their young lives. Success from an early start makes these two entrepreneurs enlightening examples for the young and old alike.

Hart Main: ManCans

Via indeonline.com

When it comes to getting a jumpstart on success, Hart Main is one to follow. At the tender age of 13, Main had a mission, to create candles which featured "manly scents," along with a line catered to female candle fans as well (which came further down the road). ManCans, which are candles inside soup cans are unique and fun.

As per Times Reporter, "ManCans candles have gone from being made in Main's kitchen and sold to family and friends, to being made at Beaver Creek Candle Co. and sold in nearly 150 stores across the United States. ManCans also has donated thousands of dollars to soup kitchens."

With unexpected scents like New York Style Pizza, Fresh Cut Grass, Burnt Rubber, Bacon, and Cigar, these candles are unlike what we're used to seeing (and smelling). Each one sells for a reasonable $10, making them as affordable as they are aromatic.

Still under 20-years-old now, Main aspires to inspire other young budding entrepreneurs with his book, co-written with his father Craig, One Candle, One Meal. "Hart's story will show you that you're never too young to make a difference."

From a flicker of an idea to a raging success, Main and his ManCans are lighting the path for new brilliant inventions to come.

Caroline Pugh: VirtualU

Via bizjournals.com

Fitness-minded with a flair for technology, the now mid-20s Caroline Pugh is co-founder and COO of VirtualU, which as explained by Forbes, "Integrates 3D human modeling technology with fitness and healthcare space so that people can accurately track how their body changes as they work out."

As described by the company, "The VFit™ 3D body scanner is the first sub-$10K device with millimeter precision, capable of producing highly realistic 3D models in just 20 seconds. Our current solution allows fitness gym members to scan their bodies and track body fat, lean muscle mass, and circumferences of the neck, biceps, chest, waist, thigh, and calf."

Pugh developed the idea while she was a sophomore at Virginia Tech. According to Huffington Post, "She led a team of 13 and raised $1.8 million in capital." Along with her studies, she had a passion for invention that propelled her to create and innovate. And as per Forbes, "She was awarded the CIT Gap 50 Award as most likely to build Virginia's next generation life science, technology, and energy companies." Pugh apparently was not the only one who knew she was on to something.

What is Pugh up to these days? Huffington Post reports, "She is the Chief of Staff to Aneesh Chopra, who is the first Chief Technology Officer to the United States. At Mr. Chopra's firm called NavHealth, Caroline works to make health systems nationwide more intelligent. Using data analytics and research insights, NavHealth ensures that patients have access to vital knowledge so that they can make informed decisions regarding their health."

Making her mark in the world of technology entrepreneurship, Pugh is a shining example of talent, perseverance, and success. And even though she has already done so much thus far, it's only just the beginning.

Stay tuned for more inspiring entrepreneurs and their success stories.

Via pexels.com

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Where to Donate to Support Afghanistan and Haiti

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Over the past month, both Haiti and Afghanistan have been pummeled by tragic disasters that left devastation in their wake.

In Haiti, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake erupted, leading over to 2,189 deaths and counting. A few hours later, in Afghanistan, Kabul fell to the Taliban just after U.S. troops had pulled out after 20 years of war.

In many ways, these disasters are both chillingly connected to US interference. The United States invaded Haiti in 1915, ostensibly promising to restore order after a presidential assassination but really intending to preserve the route to the Panama Canal and to defend US creditors, among other reasons.

But the US forces soon realized that they were not able to control the country alone, and so formed an army of Haitian enlistees, powered by US air power and intended to quell Haitian insurrection against US controls. Then, in 1934, the US pulled out on its own, disappointed with how slow progress was going. Haiti's institutions were never really able to rebuild themselves, leaving them immensely vulnerable to natural disasters.

Something similar happened in Afghanistan, where the US sent troops and supported an insurgent Afghan army – only to pull out, abandoning the country they left in ruins, with many Afghans supporting the Taliban.

In both cases, defense contractors benefited by far the most from the conflict, making billions in profits while civilians faced fallout and devastation. While the conflicts and circumstances are extremely different and while the US is obviously not solely to blame for either crisis, it's hard not to see the US-based roots of these disasters.

Today, in Haiti and Afghanistan, civilians are facing unimaginable tragedy.

Here are charities offering support in Afghanistan:

1. The International Rescue Committee is looking to raise $10 million to deliver aid directly to Afghanistan

2. CARE is matching donations for an Afghanistan relief fund. They are providing food, shelter, and water to families in need; a donation of $89.50 covers 1 family's emergency needs for a month.

3. Women for Women International is matching donations up to 500,000 for Afghan women, who will be facing unimaginable horrors under Taliban control.


4. AfghanAid offers support for people living in remote regions of Afghanistan.

5. VitalVoices supports female leaders and changemakers and survivors of gender-based violence around the world.

Here are charities offering support in Haiti:

1. Partners in Health has been working with Haiti for a long time, and they work with the Department of Health rather than around them, which is extremely important in a charity.

2. Health Equity International helps run Saint Boniface Hospital, a hospital in Haiti close to the earthquake's epicenter.

3. SOIL is an organization based Haiti, "a local organization with a track record of supporting after natural disasters." They are distributing hygiene kits and provisions on the ground to hospitals and to victims of the earthquake.

4. Hope for Haiti has been working in emergency response in Haiti for three decades, and their team is comprised of people who live and work in Haiti. They focus on supporting children and people in need across Haiti.

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How the Beyoncé and Jay Z Controversy Shows Gen Z's Money Priorities

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When the new Tiffany's campaign was unveiled, reactions were mixed.

Tiffany's, the iconic jewelry brand which does not (despite what some might be misled to believe) in fact serve breakfast, featured Jay Z, Beyoncé, and a rare Basquiat painting in their recent campaign.

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How to Save Money on a Road Trip

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Road trips can be a lot of fun — but they can also drain your wallet quickly if you aren't careful.

From high gas costs and park admission fares to lodging and the price of eating out every night, the expenses can add up quickly. But at the same time, it's very possible to do road trips cheaply and efficiently. Without the headache of worrying about how much money you're leaking, you can enjoy the open road a whole lot more. Here's how to save money on a road trip.

1. Prepare Your Budget, Route, and Packing List in Advance

If you want to save money on a road trip, be sure you're ready to go. Try to count up all your expenses before you hit the road and create a budget. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance so you don't end up taking unnecessary, gas-guzzling detours. And finally, be sure to pack in advance so you don't find yourself having to buy tons of things you forgot along the way.

2. Book Cheap Accommodations — Or Try Camping

All those motel rooms can add up surprisingly quick, but camping is often cheap or free, and it's a great way to get intimate with the place you're visiting. You can check the Bureau of Land Management's website for free campsites. Freecampsite.com also provides great information on If you don't have a tent or don't want to camp every night, try booking cheap Airbnbs or booking hotels in advance, making sure to compare prices.

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If you're planning on sleeping in your car, a few tips: WalMart allows all-night parking, as do many 24-hour gyms. (Buying a membership to Planet Fitness or something like it also gives you a great place to stop, shower, and recharge while on the road).

3. Bring Food From Home

Don't go on a road trip expecting to subsist on fast food alone. You'll wind up feeling like shit, and it'll drain your pocketbook stunningly quickly. Instead, be sure to bring food from home. Consider buying a gas stove and a coffee pot for easy on-the-go meals, and make sure you bring substantial snacks to satiate midday or late night cravings so you can avoid getting those late night Mickey D's expeditions.

Try bringing your own cooler, filling it with easy stuff for breakfast and lunch — some bread and peanut butter and jelly will go a long way. Bring your own utensils, plates, and napkins, and avoid buying bottled water by packing some big water jugs and a reusable water bottle. Alternatively, try staying at hotels or Airbnbs with kitchens so you can cook there.

4. Avoid Tolls

Apps like Google Maps and Waze point out toll locations, so be sure to avoid those to save those pennies. (If it takes you too far off route, you might have to bite the bullet and drive across that expensive bridge).

You can also save on parking fees by using sites like Parkopedia.

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5. Save on Gas

Gas can get pricy incredibly fast, so be sure that you're stopping at cheap gas stations. Free apps like GasBuddy help you find the most affordable gas prices in the area. Also, try going the speed limit on the highways — anything faster will burn through your tank. Be sure that you don't wait till you arrive at touristy locations or big cities to fill up.

6. Get a National Park Pass

All those parks can get really expensive really fast. If you're planning on visiting three or more parks, it's a great idea to get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80 you can get into every National Park for one year.

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