August 24th 2023.
Meet Mario Mack, a 12-year-old African-American boy from Fairfield, Alabama. He is the young entrepreneur behind J's Pop-Up Shaved Ice and has been on a journey to bring his business vision to life since the age of 10.
Mario's mother inspired his independent spirit and paved the way for him to pursue his dreams. “She really liked to work for herself, and I saw that, like, early on when she started and I thought it was really cool,” Mario told CBS42. “So, I wanted to do my own thing and start a food truck.”
Two years later, Mario bought his first trailer and is now on a mission to expand and level up his business. He's saving up for a larger trailer, and Urban Impact Birmingham is helping him on his entrepreneurial journey.
The organization's program manager Courtney Craig believes it's necessary to provide opportunities to all entrepreneurs. From programs to capital access, they are dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the community, especially young entrepreneurs.
Mario's business isn't just a side hustle — it's his passion. Despite his tender age, he's living out his entrepreneurial dreams and has already set his future plans. “I want to own my own restaurant and I want to be able to cook,” he said.
Mario also wants to inspire fellow young minds, believing that with determination, anything is possible. He balances school during the week and running his business on weekends, and he's a kind-hearted soul, often setting up shop at local parks in Birmingham to treat the homeless to free shaved ice at least once a month.
Be sure to follow J's Pop-Up Shaved Ice on its official Facebook page to support this young entrepreneur's journey.
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