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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.

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In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

This episode highlights Craig Levy, musician, sound engineer, artists whisperer. Craig saw his industry falling apart, and decided to hone in on the things he does best. This approach, rooted in gratitude and simplicity has afforded Craig freedom and fulfillment. Read his story to learn more about how he achieved such a zen like balance.

Tell Me A Little More About What You Do And How You Got Into It

To make it easy i call myself a "music producer" but i handle everything from writing and playing instruments around an acapella to just recording vocals for my mc's who bring in finished instrumentals to mixing and mastering… basically whatever anyone thinks i'm good at :)

Do you Remember Your First Day? What Were You Feeling?

Yeah i almost threw up!

What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?

I worked at atlantic records in the a&r department when the music business was thriving.. and i left right when it was imploding. for the next few years i drifted until i started recording my own music and fell l in love with it. about a year later i put up an ad on craigslist and the rest is history…

How Do You Balance Your Time?

Honestly i have a hard time with that… i found "my thing" and it's still an honor 13 years later that people like what i do so i find it hard to say no…

Tell Me About Your Business?

I simply charge per hour ($40) and my artists come over and we do whatever they have planned: record, have me write around their vocals and play instruments, mix, master. they are often also part therapy sessions: it's the artists choice what goes on during their time so we may talk for a bit…my psychology degree gets put to good use :)

How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?

Probably 40 hours in sessions and another 10 or so doing the un-fun business stuff.

What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?

Biking, hanging with my girlfriend and our cats.

What's Next For You?

More of the same in terms of making music with my artist's daily, but dedicating more time to licensing… i've had over 250 placements so far but would like to see it really take off. either way it's fun to see your tracks on tv.

Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?

Be ready to dedicate your whole life to this! it really does take 10,000 hours.


To learn more about Craig or to book you recording session now, click here...

In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

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