What began as a heartfelt birthday gift at age nine became the foundation of an inspiring writing journey. In this episode, we sit down with Rutendo Shadaya, a teen author from New Zealand whose love for fantasy storytelling led her to write and self-publish multiple books before the age of 18.

Drawing inspiration from her friendships and her identity as a Zimbabwean–New Zealander, Rutendo built an imaginative fantasy world centered around her protagonist, Rachel. After facing early rejection from traditional publishing, her family chose to self-publish—an experience that shaped her resilience, confidence, and creative voice.

Now 17, Rutendo is the author of three children’s fantasy books, a TIME x LEGO Girls of the Year honoree, a youth speaker, and a contributor to teen-led media platforms. She shares her journey of creativity, rejection, self-belief, and purpose, encouraging young people—especially young women—to write boldly and pursue their dreams.

🎧 The new episode is out now. Tune in and support young entrepreneurs, storytellers, and voices shaping the future.

At just eight years old, Frankie turned a simple 4-H club project into a fast-growing hot sauce business. When it was later shut down by the Department of Agriculture, he spent nearly a year regaining FDA approval and learning what it takes to build a product the right way. His persistence paid off—today, his sauces are commercially bottled, award-winning, and crafted for kids and non-spicy lovers who value flavor over heat.

Frankie has earned major recognition, including People’s Choice at the Oxford Hot Sauce Festival and the 18 Under 18 award in Roanoke. Now preparing to launch his third flavor, he continues growing his brand while advancing academically as a ninth grader who has skipped two grades, maintained a 4.0 GPA, and plans to dual enroll in college by 14.

Outside the business, he excels in math, enjoys theatre, has performed in four productions, and loves gaming in his free time. This episode dives into his resilience, creativity, and the mindset behind becoming “The Hot Sauce Kid.”

🔗 Links to Connect

Watch full episodes on YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@AanyaTalati⁠

Follow us on Instagram:⁠instagram.com/aanyatalati⁠

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/aanyatalati⁠

Divisha Mandal is a 13-year-old entrepreneur and animal advocate who founded Bow-Bow Ties at just nine years old. What began as a small business selling pet bow ties has grown into a mission of compassion — with 50% of her proceeds donated to animals in need. To date, Divisha has donated over $7,500, supported 18 animal shelters, and provided 206 pounds of pet food to homeless families with pets.

Her dedication has earned national recognition, including honors from the White House, Youth Service America’s Everyday Young Hero award, Jackson’s Everyday Superhero award, and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Project Grant — which she used to microchip over 60 dogs for low-income families.

In this episode, Divisha shares how a simple idea grew into a movement, why she believes change begins with collaboration, and how young people can turn empathy into action. Beyond her advocacy, Divisha is also a gymnast and plays the saxophone in her school band — proving that passion and purpose can go hand in hand.

Tune in for a story of heart, hustle, and hope — and discover how one young founder is tailoring change, one bow tie at a time.

🔗 Links to Connect

Watch full episodes on YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@AanyaTalati⁠

Follow us on Instagram:⁠instagram.com/aanyatalati⁠

Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/aanyatalati⁠

🔗 Links to Connect with Bow Bow Ties

Follow us on Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bow_bow_ties?igsh=eXR0MHlhYnJmZ2Nl&utm_source=qr⁠

Connect on etsy: ⁠bowbowtiesdesigns.etsy.com

Meet Mariana Gillen-Sanchez—a youth advocate, public speaker, and community leader whose work has earned global recognition. Diagnosed with dyslexia at seven, she faced years of academic struggle, often feeling unseen in the classroom. With the right support, she not only found her voice but dedicated herself to helping other children find theirs too.

Her journey began with the M.A.R.I. Kits Project (Making Awesome Reading Improvement), created through her Girl Scout Bronze Award. Today, her story stands as a testament to resilience, leadership, and advocacy for learning differences.

Now streaming.

Our second episode of the Will & Way Podcast is live!

In this conversation, we feature Ryan Hickman, who began his recycling journey at just three and a half years old. What started as a simple trip to a recycling center has grown into a powerful mission to protect the planet. Today, Ryan continues to make a meaningful impact through his commitment to sustainability proving that even the smallest actions can lead to big change.

Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and discover how passion, consistency, and purpose can shape a better world.

👉 Listen now and be inspired to take your first step toward change.

🔗 Links to Connect

Watch full episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AanyaTalati

Follow us on Instagram:instagram.com/aanyatalati

Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aanyatalati

Rehet Kapoor began her creative journey at just 10 years old, turning childhood doodles into a growing art business. In this episode, she shares the story behind her brand, the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and what it takes to build something meaningful as a young creator and entrepreneur.

If you’re passionate about startup journeys, creative entrepreneurship, or supporting young changemakers, this episode is a must-listen.