Winners Announced at Local Youth Entrepreneur Competition

The Irondale City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, celebrated local student entrepreneurs through a series of awards recognizing their business achievements. The event highlighted the creativity and hard work of young residents in various school divisions.

In the elementary school division, Faith Cochran of Fabulous Faith Jewelry and More secured third place, while second place went to Jana Summers for JC's and Jana's Treasures. The top honor in this category was awarded to Charlie Ann Petrie for her business, My Beauty Sign.

The middle school division saw Chase Blanding, who was unable to attend, take third place for her waist beads. Jamia Sherrod claimed second place with her venture, Sweets to Remember, while Anissa Leonard was recognized as the first-place winner for her children's book.

In the high school division, Kishari Wilson earned third place for Reece Sweet Treats, and Carly Johnson took second place for Carly's Closet, though she was not present at the meeting. The first-place award went to Rebecca Howard for Howard's Girls Jewelry.

Additional awards included the People's Choice Award, which was awarded to Stella Garganes for Froggy Armour, and the Mayor's Choice Award, with the runner-up going to AJ Arnold for Luscious Lip Products. The winner of the Mayor's Choice Award was Angelie Navarette Markina. The Outstanding Branding Award runner-up was Carrington McCloud for Take a Bite, while Ava and Avery Sanders won the top branding award for Luxury Milk Popcorn.

This event not only showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Irondale's youth but also fostered community support for their innovative endeavors. The council expressed pride in the accomplishments of these young business owners and encouraged continued engagement in local entrepreneurship.