The Auntie Karen Foundation hosted its 20th Annual Young Entrepreneurs Conference on October 4, 2025, at The Brookland CLC in West Columbia, South Carolina. Sixty young visionaries, ages
- 1st Place. zSYNC, founded by Naim I. Musalini. A fashion and lifestyle brand that transforms adversity into art through bold design and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Two Decades of Legacy
This milestone year honored Legacy Young Entrepreneurs who returned to pour into the next generation, including Lee Livingston, Valencia Goodwin, Sheneka Jackson Kinsey, and Kierra McFarlan. Featured speakers included Representative Annie McDaniel, TiffanyJ, and Derek Anders-Turner III.
A Day of Inspiration and Innovation
Workshops reflected the conference’s theme of legacy and innovation, designed to engage every age group through creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), led by Ayesha Driggers, Kalenna Ginyard, and Deon , presented Cre-
7 to 22, gathered for a full day of learning, creativity, and inspiration under the theme “Legacy Moves Forward: AI Ready.”
Since 2009, the Foundation has honored the late Deb-
2025 Scholarship Recipients
– 2nd Place. Simply Zee Creations, founded by Zariah Williams.
A handcrafted business offering crochet designs, sewing, and custom
accessories that blend
artistry with innovation. ative Minds, Big Moves with OBO—a dynamic session on how local government programs can help youth and small business owners access resources, certification opportunities, and funding support.
TiffanyJ led Branding Beyond the Surface, a highenergy workshop that helped participants understand how to build authentic brands that reflect their personal stories and values.
Sheneka Jackson Kinsey led the Young Moguls workshop, introducing the youngest participants to the power of creativity, teamwork, and imagination in entrepreneurship.
Valencia Goodwin and Ashley Hall co-facilitated Legacy in Living Color: Celebrating Human Creativity in the Age of AI, an engagorah Woodard (1956–2009) through the Deborah Woodard Memorial Scholarship Award, presented each year to youth entrepreneurs who demonstrate creativity, leadership, and community impact.
- 3rd Place. Tatum’s Wrist Wonderzz, founded by Tatum
Brisbon. A youth-led social enterprise raising awareness for causes like heart health and autism
with colorful bracelets. ing session that connected art, beauty, and innovation, showing students how culture, design, and technology intersect in the business world. Morning workshops were presented by Debora D. Lloyd (entrepreneurship, etiquette, and leadership for youth) and Dr. Julian “Dr. JuJu” Owens (music, media literacy, wellness, and creativity through the MusicsEnergy: Life Literacy Curriculum).
The conference featured five learning tracks that met students where they are on their entrepreneurial journey: Young Moguls, Agents, Owners, Presidents, and Executive Directors. Sessions explored branding, financial literacy, leadership, and practical ways to use AI in business.
