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Heather displays some of her jewellery which took her to the finals in The Helix in Dublin. Photo: Colm Mahady / Fennells

Street smart, go-getting, profit making, Heather Coleman (aged 16) from Mitchelstown Youth Café did herself proud by reaching the final seven in the ‘Foróige NFTE Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2013, organised and run by Foróige. Heather made the final for her business called ‘Heather’s Jewellery’, which makes handmade jewellery and runs children’s jewellery making parties.

The awards took place on Wednesday last (10th) at The Helix in Dublin. A total of 1,500 participants set up 850 businesses as part of this year’s NFTE entrepreneurship programme, generating a collective turnover of €250,000.

The NFTE programme, founded by US businessman Steve Mariotti in New York in 1987, teaches young people to think like entrepreneurs, to take calculated risks, to be open to learning and be empowered to own their own futures.

Heather’s jewellery parties teach young people a skill in a fun way and each child gets to keep a beautiful piece of jewellery they can be proud of. The service Heather offers is very popular with parents and Heather has already made a net profit of €265 for her business.

Being in the final seven meant that Heather had to make an elevator pitch to the judges, ala Dragon’s Den style. Commenting on her experience Heather said: “My involvement in the NFTE progamme and my experience in setting up my business has inspired me to maintain my motivation and apply myself fully to everything I do. I would like to market my business further and increase my profile and, if that goes well, I could potentially employ a person before the end of the year. I would like to complete my Leaving Certificate and become a primary school teacher. I’m excited to see what my future holds.”

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