Mekhi Martin (MD) High School Recipient - Impactful

Since I was young, I always had an entrepreneurial mindset and ambition. I used to wash cars, mow lawns and shovel snow for money. I did these things without knowing I was positively impacting the personal lives of others. It wasn’t until I was told that the odd jobs I was doing made people happier that I realized I enjoyed making people happy. This notion inspired me to start a fashion line where I mixed my two passions: making people happy and fashion; all while creating a positive message. The name of my clothing line is Sainted, which means ‘to be the best version of yourself.’ When I was in the ninth grade, I wanted to improve myself and strive for a more successful path, so I started to create shirt designs to help motivate myself while also spreading my main message – “be the best version of yourself.”

My second business was a passion project. I wanted to make an impact through art. I have been designing pamphlets and album/single covers on my computer since I was in fourth grade. At first, my designs weren’t the best, but as I continued to practice and perfect my designs through my high school years, I realized just how many compliments my graphic designs were receiving. Then an idea sparked in my mind – “let me use this talent to truly make an impact on others.” I started designing flyers for my school about anti-bullying.

Despite the trials and tribulations that may come with trying to make an impact, as long as you persevere and keep striving towards your goal, you will never fail. Eventually, your plan will work, and although my businesses are still growing, I won’t ever stop striving for success due to my passion for making an impact through my gifts.