Young entrepreneur Julian Lynn, just 10 years old, has been immersed in the world of business since he was four. Starting out at local fruit stands on West 68th Avenue and Columbus Avenue, he honed his skills by volunteering and selling produce to customers.
“I really enjoy business and every time I make a sale, it feels exhilarating,” Lynn shared from his family’s cozy living room, sporting a charming bowtie.
His passion for entrepreneurship was inspired by his grandfather, who is based in the Netherlands. Interestingly enough, he recalls his grandfather teaching him a simple yet important lesson: “He taught me how to hug,” Lynn said.
Over the years, Lynn has gained experience selling at various local establishments, like Epis Bakery and the gourmet cheese shop, 67 Gourmet. One of his standout products? A cheese from Australia that he loves, called Meredith Daily Cheese.
His first real business venture kicked off in 2020 when the pandemic changed everything around us. “I thought everyone loves food, but Grubhub charges extra for delivery. So, I wondered, what if we make homemade food and charge normal prices?” This idea led to the creation of J’s Dinr, a home-based delivery service that offered items like “grandma’s granola” and carrot soup to nearby residents.
That same year, Julian also launched a lemonade stand. Initially, he used free lemons he obtained while volunteering, selling cups for a dollar each. However, with added costs like sugar, cups, and signs, profits were slim. “I used to think the only reason I wanted to do a lemonade stand was for profit,” he laughed recalling those early days.
In 2022, he modified his approach after conducting some “market research.” He realized that many customers couldn’t distinguish between his fresh lemonade and the store-bought options available for less than $4. To set himself apart, he introduced pop boba—a small gel-like ball filled with sweet liquids he sourced from Amazon. Thus, Bovande was born, and now he sells cups for $2.50 at his stands, bringing in around $250 weekly.
But there’s more to Lynn than just making money. He donates 30% of his earnings to the Best Friends Animal Society. “I think animals are more valuable,” he explained, underscoring his charitable intentions.
On February 8, 2024, Lynn received an exciting invitation from the Best Friends Animal Society to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
As for his plans? He mentioned that any leftover money, after donations, won’t go towards college, which he’s set to attend at MS 245, but will act as “seed money for future business opportunities.” He has already saved over $10,000.
Julian’s ventures aren’t limited to food and drinks; he also markets custom-designed tote bags and bucket hats, priced at $23 and $28, respectively. He recently hosted a “Kids Business Fair” at Grand Bazaar NYC, where he and 14 fellow young entrepreneurs showcased their homemade products, again donating 30% of proceeds to chosen charities.
This journey as a parent has been described by his mother, Julie Meerschwam, as an incredible adventure. “Having an 8-year-old signing up for an SEO meeting requires some reinventing,” she chuckled. “It’s so much fun.”
So, what’s his top tip for fellow young entrepreneurs? “Learn how to hug and block a haggle,” he said with another laugh.
