Meet three 14-year-old local entrepreneurs who are passionate and dedicated to their crafts.
Photo provided by Laura Suyasa
Alan Suyasa, DJ Pande-Pande
Alan Suyasa, a 14-year-old boy residing in Oak Mountain, has been teaching himself how to mix music like a DJ since he was six years old. He started learning on a miniature set and put it down for a few years, but when his family moved to Alabama in 2024, they found it in a moving box.
The skills never left his fingers. He practiced, and for his latest birthday, he was given a professional DJ set.
Alan is completely blind and has always loved music. He loves to listen to, produce and mix songs. He doesn’t like to dance himself—he said that’s why he’s in charge of the music instead.
“I like making people dance,” Alan said. “And making people sing along with the music.”
Since Alan discovered his talent, he’s played music at multiple gigs, including the grand opening of both his dad's and uncle’s restaurants and two school dances.
Alan’s dad, Agus Suyasa, is the owner of Nori Hibachi in Hoover. The family moved from Pennsylvania so Agus could open his restaurant in Hoover, adding even more to the city’s vibrant food scene.
Alan wants to be a DJ for as long as possible but wants to do it on the side of a career. He has already acquired the skills necessary to gauge a crowd’s rowdiness by taking off his headphones and listening for the sound of voices.
If they’re singing along to his music, he knows they’re having fun. If not, he knows exactly what songs to play to get them to dance.
Photos provided by Kristin Mathis
Lillie Mathis, Lillie’s Little Bakes
Lillie Mathis, a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Hoover High School, already has her own small business. It is called Lillie’s Little Bakes, and it all started with some macarons.
“During COVID, I learned how to make French macarons with my mom, and we have been making them ever since,” Lillie said. “I decided that other people might love our macarons, and we should share them.”
Lillie’s Little Bakes also sells cookies, cakes and other baked goods upon request. One day, when she is older, she wants to open her own bakery in Bluff Park to serve both locals and visitors.
Mathis said it can be challenging being young and having a business because people typically would rather buy from adults. However, she hasn’t let this hinder her.
“I’m beneficial to the city of Hoover because it is always fun to see kids and teens creating and sharing their passions with other people to enjoy, and that is what I am trying to do with my treats,” Lillie said.
Photos provided by Michelle Mentzer
Bryce Mentzer, Mentzer’s Mailbox Renovations
Bryce Mentzer, also a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Hoover High School, has been restoring and renovating mailboxes since he was nine years old. Bryce of Mentzer’s Mailbox Renovations just wants to pay it forward.
“The mailbox renovations business was passed to me by the Rohrer family when their son left for college,” Bryce said. “Being able to pick up where he left off was such a huge help in my success, and I want to do the same for the next young entrepreneur.”
Bryce said the biggest challenges in running his business are mother nature and time management. Mailbox painting is an art that may only be accomplished in the perfect weather conditions, and the wind and humidity determine his start times.
After his days at Hoover High School taking advanced courses, he plays baseball and wrestles. His busy schedule can be a challenge in the winter months because it’s too dark to work when he returns home, but he always finds the time to help his neighbors.
Despite the challenges of running a business so young, Bryce remains dedicated. He believes in his craft and the importance of a nice-looking mailbox, as it is a home’s first impression. He has learned about time and money management as well as work ethic.
“I am really thankful to all who have supported me as a young entrepreneur,” Bryce said.