Grade 8 learner at Centennial Schools in Sunninghill Eric Meyer is only 13, but he is already thinking about how to build a successful business.

The teenager has taken over Hint of Africa, a small family business that has given him the opportunity to explore his love for entrepreneurship. Eric’s interest in business started during Covid-19, when his mother first noticed his entrepreneurial streak. “I would turn our kitchen into my own little shop, where my family had to come and buy things from me,” he says. “I thought it was really fun.”

When the pandemic was over, Eric continued experimenting with business ideas, including making and selling dog biscuits. “They did quite well, but it was a lot of work. I realised that I really enjoyed making things and selling them.”

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His mother also taught him an early lesson about managing his money. Eric puts 10% of what he earns towards charity, another 10% into savings and keeps the rest for himself. “I like saving my money to improve my gaming computer,” he says.

Hint of Africa came about as Eric’s mother became busier with her own business. Seeing an opportunity to learn more about running a business, Eric asked if he could take it over. “I wanted to understand how business worked and want to be the youngest, successful business owner in my family.”

Eric has already set himself an ambitious target: making his first R1m before he turns 18. One of the products at the heart of his plans is the Quillow, a colourful African-inspired cushion that unfolds into a blanket. The idea came from family road trips, where Eric noticed how easily blankets and cushions could clutter up the car. “I thought this could be a neat idea. When you are sitting in the car, you can use it as a cushion, and if you get cold, you can open it up and use it as a blanket.”

Eric says the Quillow has also proved useful during camping trips, particularly when the temperature drops and a sleeping bag is not quite enough. He believes the product could have plenty of uses beyond the family car and campsite, including at sports games, markets, restaurants and on game drives. He is even looking at ways of making Quillows that can clip onto backpacks.

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Although Eric enjoys coming up with ideas, planning and selling, he knows where his strengths lie. He has a seamstress who makes the Quillows, while he focuses on the business side.

His ambitions for Hint of Africa are big. He wants to eventually employ at least five seamstresses and get the products into tourist destinations. “Game drives can get quite chilly, especially in winter, so I think it would be a great idea for every seat in a game-drive vehicle to have a Quillow. The best part of running a business is when people buy our products, they leave with a smile on their face. I love that I am learning and making money at the same time.”

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