by Adam Toren 27 Dec 2011

We talk with a lot of Kidpreneurs all over the world, and we’re always amazed at their accomplishments and their desire to succeed in business. One of the things we love to see most is when a Kidpreneur takes that passion and uses it to give back, in addition to building their business.
At 14, Asya Gonzalez, the founder of Stinky Feet Gurlz, is a great example of a kid with great business sense as well as a big heart. We were lucky enough to get the chance to ask Asya a few questions recently, and the interview is below. Enjoy the interview, and join us in congratulating Asya in the comments!
1. How did you come up with the idea for Stinky Feet Gurlz? And what does the name mean?
I have always loved to draw. I draw and design every chance I can get. I saw a doodle in my mom’s journal and I thought it was so cute I redrew it and gave it some life. My mom loved it and encouraged me to draw it better and better until we now have Weezie, the first of several Stinky Feet Gurlz. The name actually came from my grandma. It was a nickname she’d call my mom and her cousins. She and her cousins would play outside really hard and when they would go inside to watch TV, their grandma would tell them they have really stinky feet! So she is the original Stinky Feet Gurl!

 
2. Are your parents entrepreneurial? In what ways have they supported or guided you in your business ventures?
Yes, they are always coming up with new ideas for new companies and are very creative. They have supported me with coming up with ideas and they handle the financial part of this business.
3. What do you think entrepreneurship at an early age has taught you that you’ll use throughout your life?
I’ve been wanting to branch out in the fashion world and this is a huge stepping stone on how to learn how the fashion industry works and how to start your own business and get your name out there.
4. Do you ever feel as though you’ve given up anything to be a teen entrepreneur? What are some of the disadvantages of starting a business at a young age?
I don’t feel deprived of anything. I’m grateful for absolutely everything I have, and I’m very fortunate to have this company. God has given me this opportunity, and I’m glad I snagged it.
5. You also have a foundation called She’s Worth It. Can you tell us about that?
She Is Worth It! is a foundation that helps rescue these poor children from the most disgusting crime in the world: the sex slave industry, which is happening all around the world. One of our major goals is to get rid of the backlog of rape kits. It is so wrong to put a victim through extreme embarrassment of having a crime investigator swab them for hair samples, saliva samples, and other DNA; only to have it shoved away in the back of a police shelf along with hundreds or even thousands of rape kits that haven’t been processed that may even be up to or over 10 years old.
6. What are your plans for your business? Will you be expanding your product offering?
I plan to expand this company to grab more awareness for She Is Worth It! so we can save these children. That is my ultimate goal for this company.
7. Everyone has a different definition of success, and yours might change over time, but what would you say is your personal definition of success right now?
My personal definition of success is doing something that will help other people who are in need, and helping them succeed in return. I’m sure money will always follow my hard working efforts, but it is truly my desire to help others.