Jasmine Benton Travels to the Big Apple as One of Three Finalists
UPDATE: Jasmine WON!
Jasmine Benton, Oklahoma Christian University freshman from Dallas, Texas, took the top prize in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's (NTFE) competition which included a $7,500 cash infusion for her business, she also picked up an investor. Now the work begins to grow, expand and increase profits to keep her investors happy.
Jasmine launched her first store front at age 11 and sold out of product within two hours of opening! CEO of Precious Designs, Jasmine knows a few things about inventory management and understanding her customer. Her interior design boutique specializes in interiors, decorating, refurbishing and her original creations. Jasmine is a STEMpreneur and certified interior decorator who credits her grandmother with teaching her.
"Design saved me. When I was nine, my parents divorced, and I was not doing well. My grandmother became the most important person in my life. She was a decorator and taught me to fall in love with the science of design," said Jasmine.
Jasmine kept a journal and wrote down everything she learned from her grandmother while her mother filled the role of number one cheerleader. The serious student excelled and eventually gained attention from national magazines and television shows. Of course, Jasmine was accepted to her number one college choice, the Savannah School of Art and Design, but found her way to OC after receiving some mail and applying for scholarships. Her first visit to campus was for a scholarship award banquet where President deSteiguer warmly welcomed Jasmine by name. Now, Jasmine knows she is exactly where God wants her to be.
"Success doesn't eliminate the need for an education. As a black woman in the 1960s, my grandmother didn't have the opportunity to go to college, so I will not take this for granted," said Jasmine.
Joy shines through Jasmine's eyes and smile when she talks about, her time at OC and especially her Intro to Design class with Professor Amy Beauchamp.
"I have so much to learn from her and the way she teaches is awesome. You can see the light in her. She enjoys her students and cares about us," said Jasmine.
#OCishome to uncommon stories and Jasmine Benton. Welcome home Jasmine!
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The 2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge started with more than 20,000 teens from across the country. Now, OC freshman, Jasmine Benton is one of three finalists in the competition sponsored by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship's (NTFE).
Benton is the 18 year-old teenCEO and owner of Precious Designs, an Interior Decorating Boutique. Benton will be presenting her company October 16 in Times Square.
Her work has been seen on the Steve Harvey show, and she was the youngest Design Assistant for Mikel Welch (HGTV’s Design Star). Benton is a credentialed STEMpreneur and certified Interior Decorator. She has been featured in HuffPost, INC. Magazine, CW33 and several publications and local newspapers. Recently, Jasmine spoke at the Everything Teen EXPO in Desoto, Texas and was featured in UrbanGirlz Magazine.
Jasmine owned her first storefront at the age of 11 and has designed/staged over 10 professional events, homes and wedding receptions.
Every year the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge brings together young entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative business ideas to panels of expert judges, including real investors and startup heroes. Students who enter the Challenge compete in a series of local, regional and national pitch competitions, all leading up to the big day on October 16, when three national finalists take the stage for the last round of competition and a chance to take home the grand prize. All along the way, our #RoadtoNationals competitors can win seed money to launch their businesses, not to mention earn a rad badge of honor.
For more information or to book Jasmine for your event, contact 214-699-1476.
