Jasmine Lawrence, 15 – Operational Business
EDEN Body Works
Mt. Laurel, New Jersey

"Starting this business was the best thing I’ve done. It has taught me so much about life and about myself."

Jasmine Lawrence was inspired to start EDEN Body Works by an unpleasant incident when she was 13 years old—her hair fell out after a too-harsh chemical straightening process. She then looked for a natural hair care solution, but was unable to find suitable products. So she made her own, after much research and experimentation.

EDEN Body Works manufactures and distributes all-natural hair and skin care products to beauty/braiding salons and retailers. Currently Jasmine’s products are being sold in eight states, and are under consideration for sale by Wal-Mart. She finds the ingredients of her products from sources around the world, via the Internet. Jasmine recently appeared on an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show that featured “Amazing Kids,” showcasing her business.

Jasmine participated in a NFTE BizCamp sponsored by Goldman Sachs at New York University in 2004. “They empowered me,” she says. Jasmine called on the business skills and access to resources NFTE provided to help develop and grow her business.

“In the future I see my business expanding not only more into hair care but also body care, and ultimately promoting a healthy, natural lifestyle,” Jasmine says. “Even when I finish high school and attend college I want to continue with this business and inspire others to do the same.”