As the youth and the generation of change, there is a lot of pressure on us to transform the world and create a better and brighter future. People are turning toward us to be the change we so desperately need, whether it is to create a more just society full of equal opportunities, to reverse climate change, reduce obesity rates and so much more. It is all on us.
I have embraced this pressure. I believe that change is long overdue and my generation, my peers, are the people who have the drive, the motivation, and the means to be the ones to do it. For this reason, I get so frustrated when we are not given the chance to prove it.
As a young entrepreneur, I am very grateful to have received a lot of recognition for my hard work and accomplishments. For example, this spring I was awarded the Aspire! Fire Within Award from the Great Falls Development Authority. So exciting!
However, the unfortunate truth is I run across more sceptics than I do enthusiasts. The same people who are putting this pressure on me and my generation to be the change, are looking for flaws in my business.
Some think that because I am 17 there is no way that my business is legitimate and that I could have gotten approved by the health department to sell my products. They assume starting Wholesome Hal’s was an impulsive decision and poorly thought out and therefore I won’t make it. I am oftentimes overlooked because of my age, and perhaps my tiny trailer. People tend to go with business they see as more polished.
None of this is true. I worked and reworked Wholesome Hal’s business plan over and over for 7 months before deciding that Wholesome Hal’s was not a risk, but a valid and viable idea that will not only turn a profit, but better the community of Great Falls by being a healthy and eco-friendly, healthy option at events like the Farmers Market. I have worked closely with the health department both years to make sure that I am following all the rules and am selling the highest quality food possible whether it come from a modified horse trailer or a fancy food truck. (The first day I will be selling is Monday at the corner of 25th Street and 7th Avenue South.)
I have everything that other businesses have and more. Yet some people are so quick to make judgements about me because of my age.
For those who think that Wholesome Hal’s was a huge risk that you personally would not have taken, please don’t punish me for doing a lot of research and work to create a very legitimate business. Give me the same opportunity you would give another business.
I encourage everyone to not make judgements about me or my business until you have come and personally tired it. Everyone deserves equal opportunities regardless of age, race, gender, etc.
We see changes young people are starting all over the world right now. I’d appreciate your support as I try to start my own little mini-revolution here in Great Falls as an eco-friendly business selling nutritious and delicious food.