Maya Penn started to draw as soon as she could hold a crayon. She made her first flip book when she was 3. At age 4, her father taught her how to take apart a computer and put it back together again. At age 8, Maya started her own company, Maya's Ideas, to sell her eco-friendly clothing and accessories, with a website she coded herself. 3 years later, bursting with too many ideas to be contained in her company, she started Maya's Ideas 4 the Planet. Oh, and she donates 10 to 20 percent of her profits to local and international charities. What does this teen hope more than anything people will say about her 20 years from now? "I hope people take away that no matter who you are, where you're from, what your background is, you should be able to do anything you dream of and always do something that can help other people, help the planet in some way. You don't have to start a nonprofit to give back. It's the little things."

13,678 Views

 Your Name: Email:
  • leilani allen

    i have want to be like her

  • Robert okoba

    Am utterly amazed and tripple motivated by the story of such a young girl yet possessing such a unique mental prowess. Am dumb.kudos maya.I respect you.

  • emanuel boyd

    This young lady have demonstrated a tremendous amount of self confidence and lots of positive assertiveness. Her business message vocabulary is so on point. The video also emphasizes the need for parents to both recognize and support their child's strength and interest at earliest as possible.

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    A great example of what happens when 1) parents take a deep interest in their children and encourage them to pursue their passions and 2) a child is bright, creative and compassionate and is encouraged to fully bloom! Thank you Maya, thank you Maya's parents. There is indeed hope in this world because there are thousands of others like Maya out there, thank you Karmatube for sharing their stories!

  • Ann Gregory

    Everything! This beautifully spirited young woman and her concern about the environment is so refreshing.

  • Yasmin

    You exemplify the new paradigm of innovative leadership and eco-preneurship that raises the bar for all ages - not just youth. Congratulations to you and your family. Very impressive.

  • vera johnson

    It is very good to know that young people like this are in our world. So, maybe things aren't as bad as they seem! She is a blessing. It also says what can happen when people take an interest in their chidren lifies. All God's childrens are creative but they need guidance!

  • Reginal Drummer

    The Wisdom And Knowledge about herself and her relationship to others and the planet is incredible. A bright voice for the future.

  • Cindy

    What a remarkable human being she is. I'm so impressed with her creativity as well as her desire to do something positive with it for the planet, ultimately for all of us. Thankyou Maya, and thankyou to her parents who have instilled all this in her with such a can-do attitude!

  • Cynthia

    Wow! I am so inspired by all the good this creative young lady is doing and the positive message she brings to people and the planet. I especially LOVE the pollinator cartoon -- these critters need all the help they can get. Be sure to check out Maya's website to read about her nonprofit Pads for Girls project -- it's a winner.

  • Page 1

  • Learn more about Maya, her business, her non-profit, and her books at Maya's Ideas.
  • Maya Penn is, first and foremost, an environmentalist. Learn more about why pollinators are so important to Maya.
  • March 8 is International Women's Day - support and celebrate the women and girls in your life! 

Related Videos