Camryn Green is a 15-year old sophomore at Rolesville High School in Rolesville, N.C., but she already is a seasoned entrepreneur. Actually, she’s more than that. How should we describe her? Well, let’s use her own description from her website: “artist, author, illustrator, youth speaker & motivator.” Camryn answered some questions from Rising Innovator:

  1. How long have you been painting?

I have been painting since I was 3 years old.  I started with paint-by-numbers and, at age 8, my mother posted my art on Facebook. People quickly started to inquire about purchasing and Camryn’s Creations was immediately birthed. I now ship my art all around the world!

  1. When did you sell your first painting, and for how much?

I sold my first painting for $15. My original art now sells for $150 and above.

  1. Why did you decide to write a book? How is it doing — have you sold many copies? 

I enjoy selling my art but I wanted to give people — especially kids around the world — the ability to enjoy my art, so I wrote my first motivational book, “Think it, Believe it, Do it,” featuring my original art, in 2017. Now kids can enjoy my art through each page. My book encourages kids to follow their dreams now. You don’t have to wait until you are an adult to become a CEO. “Think it, Believe it, Do it” has sold thousands of copies.

My second book, “Painting the Big Picture,” which came out a year later, shares my journey to becoming an entrepreneur and has a business plan for youth. I use it during my workshops, “The Art of Being an Entrepreneur.” During my workshop, I work with youth to develop their own businesses and conceptualize their dreams!  My workshop has been held at youth groups, camps and events throughout the East Coast.

  1. How many paintings have you sold?  

I have sold over 780 paintings through online orders and vending.  I was the only youth artist featured at the Dreamville Festival (in Raleigh, N.C.) and in the Artist Walk at the African-American Festival (in Raleigh, N.C.). The support was so amazing!  I even had teachers who attended the African-American festival just to purchase my art and books for their classrooms!

  1. What are your plans for the future?

I am currently interested in using my love for art in a career in architecture and design and recently studied such at a Design Program at NC State School of Design.  I would also like to own an art gallery and camp for youth and entrepreneurial workshop.

  1. What advice do you have for other young people who want to start a business? 

Follow your dreams and never give up. Believe in yourself and never be afraid to start today!  

Also, always give back.  A portion of my proceeds from every event go to supporting youth. I have sponsored scholarships for orphans in Liberia, hosted an annual backpack drive, donated to youth fighting cancer and assisted youth in launching businesses for the local Children’s Business Fairs.  I hope to travel to Liberia soon to bless the orphans in person.

You can follow Camryn Green on Facebook or Twitter. You can contact her at camrynscreationsart@gmail.com