Advice for young entrepreneurs: Top tips from people who have been there and done it

Thinking of starting your own business? Already have a business that you want to grow? That's great!

But take it from us: whatever your motivation to start – whether it is extra income or passion – there will come a time when you need a boost of inspiration.

In this article, we showcase a few young business owners who are paving the way and showing you're never too young to start your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Sophie Tea, artist

Sophie Tea (left) steered away from the traditional art gallery route and built her brand on social media.

Her animal prints have garnered huge popularity, and she now has three studios, five full-time staff and a relentless demand for her work. In fact, people are so keen that her artwork sells seconds after she posts it on Instagram.

Sophie's top tip: Just get started!

"My biggest tip for budding business owners is to simply make a start! You don't need to have your entire business idea mapped out, but if you're willing to pivot and remain resilient, the entrepreneurial journey may be for you.

"The key is to look at what you're good at and what you enjoy and focus on that.

"It's OK to have plenty of ideas. But if you have an idea you're particularly passionate about, you're more likely to stay dedicated and focused."

2. Eniye Okah, founder of BEAME

Eniye's business journey has come full circle, from StartUp Show 2018 attendee to inspiring speaker at StartUp Show 2025.

She launched her Kickstarter campaign in September 2024 to fund the manufacture of Something You Mist™️SPF 30 Face Mist and reached her goal in 34 hours.

Eniye's top tip: The problem you're solving versus the solution

"When I went to my first StartUp Show, I remembered going to a talk on the problem you're solving versus the solution.

"I started actioning this chart to see if my product was actually solving a problem and if there was a need for my product, which a lot of people miss.

"They like the idea of creating something, but are you actually solving a problem? And that's something I've taken with me till this day, using this method."

3. Isobel Perl, founder of PERL Cosmetics

A project manager before the pandemic, Isobel had no idea she would be founding the viral skincare business, PERL Cosmetics, at 25.

After losing her job during the pandemic, she launched the business from her kitchen, using her biology degree to formulate and make the products at her home lab. PERL is a natural, British skincare company that prides itself on customisable, waterless formulas.

Isobel's top tip: No one cares

"It is something I am trying to embody – no one cares. No one cares if your Instagram post is late or you forgot to change something on your website.

"It's not the end of the world, and I am trying to lean into this notion of not taking it so seriously."

4. Tim Parker, founder of Sportfolio

Tim Parker had the idea for his business while at university. Sportfolio is a platform that aims to bridge the gap between athletes and sporting opportunities, with an initial focus on improving awareness of university sport and the number of students who take part.

Tim's top tip: Think about networking

"Everyone needs guidance and support along their business journey, so always be open to other people's advice, especially when those people are further down the business road than you.

"Look for mentors, peers and start speaking to people. You can network with other business owners for guidance, speak to potential customers as part of market research, and find a mentor for support along the way."

5. Oliver Tyler, owner of Shroot

Business has always been at the core of Oliver's life. He's been making, growing, selling, failing and buying businesses since he was 13.

"I've always had this inkling that the internet is massive and there's a market for everything. You can make money doing anything," he says.

This is what led him in November 2022 to buy the eco-friendly greeting card business, Shroot, after it incurred a substantial loss over two years.

Shroot creates eco-friendly, biodegradable greeting cards that come with everything you need to grow microgreens, including the pot – just add water. It's a gift, card, experience and snack all in one.

Oliver's top tip: Do your due diligence

"I have been doing this since I was a teenager, and the good thing about buying a failing business is that you've found a way that the business did not work, and that is a learning point.

"When buying a business, as long as you do your due diligence at the beginning, it's going to be okay. You may learn a few lessons, but it's not going to be a Titanic story.

"As long as you've asked the right questions, and they've given you truthful answers, which, if they haven't, then a good business sales agreement will get your money back."

6. Liv Conlon, founder of The Property Stagers

Liv Conlon was 16 when she founded The Property Stagers, a house staging service that makes it easier to sell properties. Now a million-pound company, Liv's business furnishes around 300 properties a year and has won several awards.

Liv's top tip: Focus on the customer

"Don't fall in love with the product, fall in love with the client. It's all about them.

"Think about how you can make them feel and how you're going to support them. When you have a desirable product and amazing customer service, it's a match made in heaven.

"Once you know your customer, you need to understand how important they are to your business's growth. The emphasis should always be on them.

"A business that focuses on its customers reaps many rewards, including more orders, a better brand image, increased staff morale and more productivity!"

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