When Asia Newson was just 5 years old, her big dreams already burned brightly. That’s when she started her own successful candle-making business! Known as Super Business Girl, Asia now travels around the world giving speeches to inspire other aspiring young entrepreneurs.
Her journey started 10 years ago in Asia’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Asia’s dad sold candles, and he often brought her along when he went to work. “He inspired me to sell my own candles,” Asia, who is now 15, says. “And my brother helps me make them.”
First, Asia and her brother melt some wax in a big pot. They add color. Then they add essential oils. These plant-based liquids are aromatic, which means they smell really good! After letting the wax cool a little, they pour some of it into a jar or mold that has a wick secured in it. Once the wax hardens, the candle is ready to be packaged and sold.
Asia and her brother make as many as 50 or 60 candles at a time. Most types of candles take only a few hours to make, but layered ones take longer. Asia has to wait for each layer of wax to dry before pouring the next layer into the mold. Her triple-layer signature candle—apple, mango, and cotton candy—takes almost 6 hours to make!
It’s worth the effort though. Asia sold $100,000 worth of candles last year. But for her, it’s about more than just making money.
With her earnings, she has bought coats and food for Detroit’s homeless population. She also helps at-risk youth in her community by showing them how to sell candles too. She sometimes even accepts trainees to teach them the business.
“I want to open my own school for young people so that they can learn to be entrepreneurs too and make their own money like I did,” Asia says. “I want them to go after their dreams and not let anything stop them, no matter what.”