South London Boy, 9, Launches Hat Business with Hidden Inspirational Messages
Age is merely a number for Bjorn Salubi, a nine-year-old from Bexley in South London who has defied expectations by launching his own hat company. His business, named 'Hatitude,' features flat caps with secret positive messages hidden inside, aiming to spread confidence and inspiration to wearers. This venture makes Bjorn one of the United Kingdom's youngest entrepreneurs, showcasing his remarkable drive and vision from an early age.
From Passion to Enterprise
Bjorn's journey began with a deep love for hats, particularly flat caps, which he wore consistently as a source of comfort instead of traditional childhood items like blankets or teddy bears. His passion for positive affirmations, which he read daily before school, fueled his desire to create a product that could uplift others. He explained, "Hatitude is important to me because I always wanted to spread confidence to people. When people wear the hats, they have positive messages on the tags, and I want them to feel confident."
His mother, who has witnessed his growth firsthand, expressed amazement at his confidence. She shared an anecdote where Bjorn, during a podcast, advised other nine-year-olds to "believe in yourself, persevere, and don't give up," leaving the interviewer stunned by his maturity. She added, "He's such a confident boy. That's the type of boy he is."
Building a Brand with Purpose
Hatitude offers a range of flat caps designed by Bjorn, each accompanied by tags with positive affirmations intended to build self-esteem and remind wearers that they are enough. The business model prioritizes spreading positivity over profit, with Bjorn's mother noting, "Profit and making money wasn't the main goal, but he wanted to spread a message of confidence and positivity." Every product includes a tag that can serve as a daily reminder or bookmark, encouraging small habits to foster inner strength.
Bjorn has been hands-on in every aspect of the business, from brand concept and design to stock management, sales setup, and customer interactions. In addition to hats, he sells t-shirts with uplifting messages. His entrepreneurial journey started at local school fairs, progressing to venues like the Young Entrepreneurs Market and Leadenhall Market in London, where he successfully introduced Hatitude to broader audiences. He is set to open a stall at a young children's showcase in Hammersmith and Fulham on March 28.
Achievements and Recognition
Bjorn's mission has garnered significant acclaim. He recently received a 'Highly Commended' honor at the West London Business Awards and was recognized with the Civic Recognition Award 2024 for 'Outstanding Achievement' at just seven years old. His talents extend beyond business; he recorded a song at Buckingham Palace for King Charles' Christmas production in 2023 as part of his local choir in Bexley.
His mother highlighted his altruistic motivations, stating, "He started talking to us about other people, his friends who are struggling, and he said he wants people to feel better." She emphasized that entrepreneurship teaches responsibility and resilience, adding, "He believes in this so much, so as parents, we are behind him because this is his passion." Bjorn has even been invited by his school to speak to older students in Years 7 and 8, demonstrating his impact beyond his years.
Through Hatitude, Bjorn Salubi exemplifies how youthful enthusiasm, combined with a genuine desire to inspire, can lead to meaningful ventures that resonate with communities and beyond.
