Meet Ava Martinez: The Teen Entrepreneur Turning Eco-Anxiety Into Innovation

At just 17 years old, Ava Martinez is proving that age has nothing to do with impact. What started as a school environmental project quickly grew into EcoGlow, a sustainable candle company that now ships to all 50 states. Ava, a high school senior from Colorado, launched her business after learning how common toxins are in traditional candles. She spent months experimenting with formulas in her kitchen before finding the perfect blend of coconut-soy wax and essential oils.

What makes Ava stand out isn’t just her product—it’s her mission. EcoGlow uses 100% recyclable packaging, sources locally-grown ingredients, and donates 10% of profits to youth-led climate organizations. Ava handles nearly everything herself, from marketing to manufacturing, all while balancing school, sports, and college applications.

Ava’s brand exploded on social media when she posted a behind-the-scenes TikTok that went viral, gaining over 2 million views in a week. Since then, EcoGlow has partnered with small boutiques, collaborated with local artists, and even been featured in teen entrepreneurship showcases. Her message is simple but powerful: “You don’t have to wait to make something meaningful. Start with what you care about.”

As Ava prepares for graduation, she hopes to expand EcoGlow into a full line of sustainable home products, proving that passion mixed with purpose can spark something much bigger than a business. For Gen Z consumers who want to shop consciously, Ava Martinez is not just an entrepreneur—she’s a leader shaping the future..