For 17-year-old Tega Ewefada of Brooklyn Park, one experience designing a T-shirt for a high school group blossomed into an online business selling inspirational T-shirts and wristbands.
Tega's idea and drive didn't come because she wanted to make money, but instead because she wanted to help people.
"As someone who lives in America and who is really blessed to have a roof over head and sleep at night, we have a responsibility to those who don't have that," she said."These aren't statistics, these are people."
Last December, Tega started work on a website she named Kishatee, which is a derivative of a Swahili word for "shirt." As she worked on her website with a vendor, Tega learned more and more about running a business.
"I've learned to keep receipts and write everything down," said Tega. "I've also learned a lot about working hard and the times when I wanted to quit and not do it anymore, I learned preserverance."
Tega also worked with a vendor to design T-shirts based on Bible verses about hope, peace and love. So far, most of her sales have come from her circle of friends and family and her wristbands have recently sold out.
"Every T-shirt and every wristband I sell I consider a success," said Tega. "Everytime I hear someone say, 'I gave this away.' Even if I just sell a few T-shirts and a few wristbands, I know I'm dedicated to a great cause."
Tega says half of all of the proceeds goes to Keep a Child Alive, which she first heard about on an Oprah show. The international charity funds treatment, care and support services for children who have HIV and AIDS in Africa. Tega thought it was a good fit to pay homage to her Nigerian heritage, but also to spread awareness of global issues.
"I know just one T-shirt and one wristband is not going to cure AIDS and it's not going to stop world hunger, but I really feel like we can do something," said Tega. "I feel like, obviously I'm only 17 and there isn't much I can do, but your $10 went to a good cause and your T-shirt is inspiring other people."
When her church youth group found out about Tega's enterprise, they were not suprised.
"Nonchalantly we found out about it, and you know she was embarrassed that anybody knew about it," said youth pastor Jeff Burquest at Living Word Christian Center. "It's incredibly refreshing from a youth pastor's standpoint because that's what you are trying to get them to understand that it's not about us, it's about others. She's just such a sweet gal that has a good heart about her -- she does things in the right way."
After the donation, postage, design and marketing, Tega says not that much is left for a paycheck. But that doesn't really seem to matter.
"I just want people to know you aren't just one person and you can make a difference."
Shannon Slatton, reporting
sslatton@twelve.tv
Friday, November 06, 2009