Teen Entrepreneur Wins $25,000 to Expand Business
Nico Bean, a 16-year-old student at Somersfield Academy, has secured $25,000 to elevate his entrepreneurial venture, Flow by Nico, through the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition.
On January 6, 2025, Bean expressed his determination to tackle one of his business’s major challenges: the lack of a payment gateway for online transactions. His innovative company offers an array of products, including uniquely designed mobile phone cases, notebooks, and artwork that showcases the acrylic pour technique—a method that transforms paint into striking abstract imagery.
"Moving forward, I would like to create a Shopify website," said Bean, reflecting on his desire to broaden his customer reach. Currently, his business operates on a Wix-hosted site, which limits him to domestic orders. This need for expansion highlights a recurring theme: the importance of adaptability and growth—principles that echo the biblical call to stewardship and responsible management of one’s gifts.
At vendor markets such as Harbour Nights, Bean faces another hurdle as he can only accept cash payments, which can deter international customers. “People will come to me asking if I take cards, but I have to say I only take cash,” he lamented, underlying the immediate need for improved payment options.
Bean’s journey began humbly at the age of 12 by selling his artwork on social media. Since then, he has seen remarkable growth, with products now available in four retail locales across the island—including The Stationery Store and Masterworks Museum of Art. The leap into competition was daunting for him, yet his hard work paid off; he spent three weeks memorizing his pitch, ultimately winning not just the youth category but also being named the most enterprising youth entrepreneur of 2024.
“Just like the parable of the talents, where servants are entrusted with their master’s wealth, I’ve been given an opportunity to expand my talents,” Bean shared. This biblical narrative invites us to consider how we can utilize our resources wisely, especially those opportunities that come our way.
Through the BEDC’s student entrepreneurship program, Bean found invaluable mentorship, learning essential pitching skills and strategies that propelled his business forward. He expressed gratitude for the support he received, echoing the sentiment found in Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” This verse emphasizes the significance of community and mentorship in achieving success.
With his newfound funds, Bean plans not only to enhance his online presence but also to invest in additional marketing tools and expand his product line. These strategies reflect his ambition to fulfill a greater purpose, resonating with the biblical idea that "whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
As Bean embarks on this exciting chapter, it serves as an encouragement for all of us to be diligent stewards of our resources. How can we leverage our skills and opportunities to not only foster our aspirations but also to enrich our communities?
Ultimately, Nico Bean’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith, encouraging us all to reflect on our unique talents and the call to make a positive impact in the world around us.
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