Hanley’s Haven

“As a leader, I am teaching young entrepreneurs the art of turning passion into profit.”

From the Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, I’ve been a competitive dancer for over ten years and delved into ballet programs across the country. Starting my own vinyl design business at age 12 ignited my passion, leading to the creation of my community service initiative, Passion to Profit. At the core of this initiative is my desire to empower young entrepreneurs by fostering real-world skills.

Embarking on this journey in high school, I am currently a junior enrolled in both high school and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The inspiration for Passion to Profit stems from my personal experience – finding joy and purpose in doing what I love. My mission is to help others discover their passions and transform them into profit, whether that be in income, purpose, or learning opportunities.

The impact of Passion to Profit goes beyond monetary gain. It has provided me with a platform to explore my talents and creativity. Studies have shown that individuals engaged in enjoyable responsibilities spend less time on social networking apps, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being. This, to me, is invaluable.

Now, as a leader, I am teaching young entrepreneurs the art of turning passion into profit. My focus includes imparting real-world skills such as finance management, community reinvestment, and brand marketing. Through my YouTube platform, I’ve shared “Five Steps for Young Entrepreneurs” in classrooms and virtually, witnessing the excitement and engagement of students as they ponder their aspirations.

The validation I receive in those moments fuels my determination to continue. Passion to Profit has allowed me to reinvest in my community by raising and donating funds to The American Heart Association. As Miss America’s Teen, I am confident that this initiative is not only beneficial but critical for our future generations.

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate continuing my quest of delivering Passion to Profit and hosting virtual entrepreneurship sessions through my YouTube platform, connecting with a wider and more diverse audience across the nation. Guided by North Carolina’s motto, “esse quam videri” — “to be, rather than to seem,” I am steadfast in my commitment to empower teens to build real-world skills, encouraging them “to be” rather than “to seem.”