US teen turns $500 loan into six-figure brand

Holden Bierman, a 19-year-old entrepreneur from Holly Springs, North Carolina, turned a $500 loan into a thriving $6-figure brand called Coastal Cool. The company specializes in sustainable beachwear, with products made from recycled materials that help remove plastic waste from the ocean. Bierman launched his clothing brand at the age of 12, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, after his parents gave him a $500 loan.

Initially selling casual wear, Bierman later shifted his focus to swimwear, becoming a pioneer in eco-friendly fashion. He learned the ropes of running an online business through YouTube tutorials and online forums, teaching himself how to create a website, find suppliers, and ship orders. Bierman's journey began as a creative outlet, but it quickly evolved into a full-fledged business that has made a significant impact on ocean conservation.