Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Kyleigh Nethery

10/22/2020

Kyleigh Nethery – Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Sande Bilton Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kyleigh Nethery is an 18 year old student attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She is opening her own boutique, featuring her own fashion designs, called Trippie Little Hippie on 10/18/20!
Kyleigh can totally rock a photo session with her fashion choices and ideas. She is a 70s child in her heart and is inspired by the music and fashion of that decade.
Kyleigh is very talented and a true visionary and is also very outgoing and tons of fun. Working with her has been a dream!

Tell us why you started Trippie Little Hippie and what it entails.
I’ve always loved art. All the time I would look at a mural, paintings, or drawings and become mesmerized by their beauty, wishing one day I be able to create something as fascinating as that. As I grew older, I learned that God did not give me the natural gift of being an illustrator or a painter. I was still determined to find a way to creatively express myself even if it wasn’t through paintings or illustrations.
Towards the end of elementary school, I found a love for fashion. I liked wearing unique garments that made me stand out from the rest and gave me an unexplained feeling of self-confidence that was well needed at the time. In middle school I learned how to sew, which lead me to give my clothes a unique twist, either by putting glittery fabric under the rips of my jeans, adding a lace trim to the bottom of my shirts, or rhinestoning my school T-shirts to make them different from my classmates. That’s when I realized I was able to incorporate my own art into what I wore.
Now that I recently graduated high school, I wanted to start a movement that would help others obtain self-confidence and learn to unapologetically express who they truly are. That's when I decided to start Trippie Little Hippie because I want to give others that same feeling of self-confidence by providing them with unique, one of a kind garments to make them feel special and unique in their own way.

In what ways has it grown, and how do you "give back?"
Ever since Trippie Little Hippie’s launch, on October 18th, 2020, I have been able to provide each of my customers with unique one of a kind garments like my Trippie Little Bandanas that are all hand dyed, hand sewn, and hand crafted by me. As well as my Trippie Little Flannels that I design and make which help eliminate waste from the garment industry. I do this by outsourcing vintage flannels, then to make each one unique from the other I will use two different flannels to make one, then put empowering or meaningful quotes on the back. By doing this no two flannels are alike, synchronizing my message with the garments I produce.
To give back, for every purchase that is made at Trippie Little Hippie 10% is donated to the nonprofit organization Operation Underground Railroad. Operation Underground Railroad specializes in extracting children from sex trafficking and anti-child trafficking efforts in hopes to bring an end to child sex slavery.

What would you say was the hardest part about owning or operating your business, and how did you get through it?
When owning your own business for the first time there are tons, and I mean tons, of challenges to overcome because everything you are doing is new to you. It’s almost like as soon as you start on your endeavor Murphy’s law comes into play, and at the worst times. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term “Murphy’s law” it means anything that can go wrong will go wrong. But your hunger to succeed has to come into play when something goes wrong. You have to tell yourself “I will get this done”, “I will make this happen”, and ‘I will find a way”. The best advice I was ever given when it comes to wanting to be successful at something is you have to publicly commit to whatever you want to do or a goal you want to achieve because then it will force you to do it and force you to overcome challenges and reach goals you never thought you were capable of. The key word is “publicly”.

Where are you going to school, and in what ways are you most hoping to grow as an individual and an artist?
I am currently enrolled at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, New York. I hope that by attending the Institute and owning my own business I will be able to create relationships in the fashion industry that will take me to the next level artistically and with my business managing skills.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
My junior year of high school I enrolled myself in dual enrollment classes through our community college, and I committed to doing 3 sports that year, Volleyball, Swim team and Dance, two of which went on simultaneously. The day before Volleyball and Dance started I promised myself that I would do whatever it took to be a State Champion in Volleyball, I would be a State Champion in at least one of my events in Swim and I would place in the top 3 at Nationals with my solo. I can proudly look back on the 2018-2019 school year and say I accomplished all three. When I look back I sometimes ask myself “How did I do that?” or even “Why did I do that?” but I accomplished all of those things because I was disciplined enough to not accept anything less than what I know I can do.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Step into situations where you are not an expert yet because once you are in those situations you will be forced to become an expert.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I’ve learned that where I expected myself to be one year from now has always succeeded at being completely inaccurate everytime. So I like to leave my 5 year/ 10 year plans up to God and I’ll just focus on today.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love to sew. That’s why I made it a part of my job

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can eat a lot of pancakes in one sitting. My record is 13.

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would present on ways you can avoid being trafficked because it is a real problem in our world today and most of the time someone that is about to be trafficked doesn’t even know it. So I would like to bring awareness to this issue

3 Things on your bucket list
Sky dive, become a millionaire by age 25, own an exotic animal like a cheetah or an elephant

Who do you find inspiring?
I like to look to Jordan Belfort for business inspiration. Although his past is not commendable, how he has moved away from it and made a new name for himself and became a millionaire all over again is inspiring. He has educated so many people on owning their own business and how to successfully sell a product. Jordan Belfort has not only made himself a millionaire once, but twice. The hard work and dedication that takes is very commendable.

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
I like to do lists. They are nice. The satisfaction of checking something off of my list for the day is what keeps me productive.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Fake it till you make it
Step into situations where you are not an expert yet and you will force yourself to become an expert
Trial and error
Publicly Commit to things you’re not confident you can do , which will force you to succeed
Model business tactics of successful people. Never model a bad character.

Look for Kyleigh in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 39

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kylie Sandberg

9/18/2020

Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kylie Sandberg is kind to everyone see meets and is so humble. This summer she started a cookie business to raise money for her high school relay for life team. She has raised over $6000.00 and is still baking. She has recently started designing clay earrings to sell as well. Her business right down to the smallest details is impeccable.

Photography by Gray Seniors

Why did you decide to take such an astounding leadership role in the Relay for Life club at your school? Tell me all about the club!
Both of my grandfathers passed away from cancer and my dad is a 3-year cancer survivor. I have always wanted to start my own Relay for life team but never really had the right platform to carry it through. In the beginning of my junior year, I decided this was my year and remembering setting a goal to myself saying “2020 will be my year, my best year”. I wanted to get all my friends, teachers, student body and faculty involved. We were able to schedule an ornament fundraiser in December which raised $100! Next, we planned a Winter dance and a fashion show. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, we were unable to do any of those fundraisers. I absolutely love being President of this club because I surround myself with dedicated and hardworking people. We plan on having lots of fundraisers throughout our senior year, and we hope to be back in school soon so we can carry out plans from our previous year.

How did Relay for Life lead to the start up of your business Hello Kylie?
When I was 7 years old, my Mom took me to my first Relay For Life event, American Cancer Society’s hallmark fundraiser. A year later, I had a dream of opening a bakery and owning a food truck to sell donuts and cookies. Of course, I wanted the food truck to be pink! During the Summer before starting 2nd grade, I sold cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and donuts at my summer camp. I made a total of $40 and donated it all to my mom’s Relay For Life team! So, this sparked my interest to fulfil my 8-year-old dream of opening my own bakery.

With COVID-19, I knew whatever I did, it had to be a solo act with mandatory social distancing. I knew the American Cancer Society would struggle without the funding. I knew cancer patients, cancer survivors, families, friends, and the ones who lost their lives to cancer deserved more. During the month of March, I decided to step up to the plate and “Hello Kylie” was conceived. Through social media and word-of-mouth, I sold homemade sugar cookies and clay earrings. 10,000 cookies and 300 earrings later, I am happy to say “Hello Kylie” was a hit. Here I am in September continuing this fundraiser which has raised almost $7,000! I plan to continue this venture with a goal to reach $10,000 by the end of my senior year.

Photography by Kylie Sandberg

Tell me all about Hello Kylie, what you sell, and how your business took off!
“Hello Kylie” is my marque name through social media. It was conceived when a simple email popped up opening with “Hello Kylie.” I thought “wow I kind of like that” and there it was, the beginning of an incredible journey. All the products I sell are homemade and proud to say made by myself! I sell my homemade sugar cookies and clay earrings. So far, I have made over 10,000 cookies and 300 pairs of earrings! I had the privilege of opening a Pop-Up Shop at 2 local boutiques during a weekend that raised over $1,000! I have also been given the opportunity to have Hello Kylie at a local Farmers Market next week! My motto is Creating For A Cure.
My fundraiser took off once everyone was sharing my story! After one person shared it was a chain reaction. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be featured in several social media outlets which share my story.

Were you surprised when you surpassed your original fundraising goal of $250 dollars? What is your goal now and is Hello Kylie something you hope to continue for many years even after Relay for life?
Absolutely! I was so surprised by the amount of donations and support I received from my community. This opportunity gave me the chance to meet so many new friends and help to reconnect with old friends. I never thought I would reach the thousands let alone $250. I thought this fundraiser would be completely slow but am grateful for how it took off. I am also grateful for all the kindness and support my community has shown me. My next goal for Hello Kylie is to raise at least $10,000 by the end of my senior year and ultimately inspire others to start their own Relay For Life team. I am also part of my County’s Youth Commission where I hope to use my voice to inspire high schoolers to start their own Relay Team. My goal is to speak at high school and even middle school assemblies to bring more awareness and tell them my story. The more people you get involved the bigger the audience grows to hopefully bring more awareness and donations! I want to encourage other students they have a voice and the ability to make a difference. I want to be the one who pushes them and not be afraid to set big goals.
I do not ever see Hello Kylie retiring soon. I am absolutely continuing this through college and joining my college’s Relay For Life team! The best part being involved with Relay For Life is that everyone shares the same goal to find a cure for cancer. The more money raised, the more opportunities for cancer research.

Tell me more about why you chose to want to pursue a career in nursing? What do you love about helping people?
Helping others has always been one of my biggest priorities. My parents have shown the value of giving back at a young age. I helped with my first Relay For Life serving dinner to cancer survivors when I was 7. Growing up I volunteered walking dogs at the SPCA and in my freshman year I tutored middle schoolers at church after school. I think there is something special about giving back. It gives me so much satisfaction and fulfillment and I also believe giving back gives you a sense of accomplishment. I believe if you have the privilege to give back, why wouldn’t you? My years of giving back and volunteering has been a win-win. It has rewarded me with self-confidence, a feeling of pride and a sense of leadership.
My mom is a nurse and seeing the satisfaction and happiness she brings by helping others inspired me to pursue the same profession. Being a nurse seems rewarding because you are caring for others. I believe and hope the compassion I possess will make me a great nurse like my Mom. I feel becoming a nurse would fit perfectly for the person I am because of the commitment and dedication I put into helping others. Currently I am shadowing a Registered Nurse in my Mentorship class. I am excited for this opportunity and know I will gain insight into a great profession!

Photography by Gray Seniors

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing would have to be overcoming my doubt in accomplishing my goals because of the fear of others judging me. I remember asking students during lunch if they would be interested in purchasing an ornament for a fundraiser we had for Relay for Life. I was laughed at and humiliated. I felt like I was never going to raise even $100 for my Relay team. During quarantine I had the chance to reflect on that situation. I handled it by moving on and writing out all my ideas and everything I was passionate about. I have had to deal with some of the most negative people throughout this fundraiser. Honestly, I feel people wanted to watch me fail. If I let that get to me, I would not be able to be where I am today. One of my most favorite quotes is “haters are my motivators”. As cringey as that is, it truly has helped me become the confident person I am today, and it has helped me grow my fundraiser! Using the people who do not want me to succeed empowers me to just prove them wrong. It is one of my biggest takeaways I have realized from this whole experience.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them never let a person, event, or even tragedy hold you back from perusing your goals. I would also tell them that good things come with hard work. Hard work comes with ups and downs, so being able to push past the harder times helps to make you more successful. I also feel that when you love what you’re doing everything after that comes easy, so do what you love not what people tell you to do!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself graduating with a Nurse Practitioner’s degree and continuing to complete service throughout my life. I always want to be involved with Relay For Life and eventually I hope to continue baking and spreading awareness in my community and many others. I want to stay connected with all the amazing people I have met through Relay For Life and continue working together until we find a cure for cancer.

Photography by Gray Seniors

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I really love surfing! My best friend’s dad was a professional surfer, so I have surfed at the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Croatan, Virginia Beach almost every weekend to practice this past Summer. It is something I am not perfect at but I’m still learning!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am extremely skilled at carnival games! I discovered this hidden talent last year at my State Fair when I won a 6-foot unicorn stuffed animal that weighed about 25 pounds after one toss at a Toss Up game. Not bragging, but I only paid $4 and my friend spent $40 on the game. I still believe to this day, that day was one of the best days of my life.

If you could publicly present any topic to your peers, what would it be and why?
I would simply say get involved with your community, school, clubs, sports, and other activities to find what you are most passionate about. I really found my purpose through fundraising for the American Cancer Society. I think being involved with more things helps to further push you towards the things that give you the most fulfilment.

3 Things on your bucket list
I have always wanted to take kick boxing lessons because that is just the most fun way to learn self-defense. I have also really wanted to learn a traditional Filipino dance so I can be more in touch with my culture. Finally, I would love to write a children’s book. This book would be all about making your dreams come true, and of course it would end with a “happily ever after.”

Who do you find inspiring?
I find the nationally titled Haleigh Ryan Hurst inspiring. She was newly crowned Miss High School America 2020 just last week. She advocates spreading the pageant’s platform B.R.A.V.E. at schools, which is about anti-bullying, Building Respect And Values for Everyone. I find her inspiring because she is passionate about this platform and sharing her story of being bullied herself. I would also love to one day meet her and share ideas.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire others with the way I carried through my vision of Hello Kylie. After the success of my fundraiser, I had 5 other girls reach out to me asking how to start their projects. I also got messages from other girls thanking me for inspiring them to start their own fundraisers. They saw how my story evolved and how hard work really paid off! I am so happy to know that I inspired many others to start their own charity work because there is a whole community to serve.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Another passion I have is cheerleading. I started All-Star cheerleading in Kindergarten at a gym called Fame All-Stars, formerly Paramount Cheer Extreme and now am part of Grafton High School’s competition cheer. In total, I cheered for 12 years. My team holds the title of 2017 and 2018 class 4A state champions and I was awarded the 2018 class 4A Cheerleader of the Year. During my sophomore year, I was given the opportunity to be part of the coaching staff of Grafton Middle School’s cheer program. I volunteered my time to coach their competition routine and in 2019, Grafton Middle School won their competition! With this experience, I currently teach gymnastics class to young girls at my local YMCA and love doing this!

Kylie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

James McCann III

3/29/2019

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James McCann III - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography and Nomination by Shooting Future Stars
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: James McCann III is a junior in High School who launched his business at the age of 14. His first client was his mom. From there he then began cutting friends and family hair in 2017. He became so popular and in demand that he launched Wavycuts.est17. James is a full-time student and cuts hair during every free moment he can, from Fridays after school until Sunday evening. Fades are his specialty. He also trims beards and arches eyebrows. James is such an inspiring young man and takes great pride in his work and business. He's inspiring boys, teens and adults.

Tell me about how your business got started.
My business got started with many inspiring factors. My brother is a proud owner of his own barbershop. I also found a youtuber called 360 Jezzy, which turned into a wave and barber channel. This inspired me to get some clippers as soon as I could. My own barber gave me my first pair of fading clippers. When I got home, I begged my mom to let me cut her hair since she already had a low cut hairstyle and she agreed. My mom was my first customer.

What is “Wavycuts.est17.”?
Wavycuts.est17 is a combination of me. I have waves and I started cutting in 2017, thus est. (established).

How are you inspiring to others?
I keep improving and don’t give up. The first time I cut, it was not what I wanted the finished product to look like at all. Despite this, I continued to cut and got better and better. I continued to watch videos and tutorials to improve. I even cut hair when I broke my leg. My grandmother bought me a device that would allow me to rest my leg and cut hair at the same time. I am passionate about cutting hair and believe God has given me a gift so I don’t want to waste it.

What are some trimming/cutting techniques you think everyone should know?
There are 3 tips that I learned and believe barbers should use each day.
#1 Always take your time so the work is your best work and a reflection of the client and barber. #2 Never get discouraged with a haircut. Make sure each haircut you have a strong mindset knowing you will get better because of the repetition.
And, #3 Always use your mirror. The mirror does not lie, so if your lineup is not straight or fade not blended it will show.

What are your goals for the business moving forward?
I have two major plans. The first plan is to travel around the world to different barber events and expos. And my second plan is to own at least 5 barber shops by the age of 30 in the D.C, Maryland, and Virginia areas.

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Kyleigh Nethery

Kyleigh Nethery – Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Sande Bilton Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kylie Sandberg

Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

James McCann III

James McCann III - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography and Nomination by Shooting Future Stars
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Kyleigh Nethery

​Kyleigh Nethery – TexasInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination and Photography by Sande Bilton PhotographyIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kylie Sandberg

Kylie Sandberg – VirginiaInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Gray SeniorsIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

James McCann III

James McCann III - MarylandInterview by Zoe D’AngeloPhotography and Nomination by Shooting Future StarsFeatured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kyleigh Nethery – Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Sande Bilton Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

James McCann III - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography and Nomination by Shooting Future Stars
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine