• Teen entrepreneur Holden Bierman built Coastal Cool, a successful swimwear brand made from recycled plastic bottles.
• He overcame challenges from peers and adults, learning everything about business through online resources.
• Holden plans to expand beyond e-commerce and inspire other young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

How Holden Bierman Built a Successful Clothing Business

Holden Bierman, a 17-year-old from North Carolina, started his own clothing brand at 12. Today, his company, Coastal Cool, has grown into a successful business. He has built it on his own, balancing his schoolwork with his entrepreneurial efforts.

Early Interest in Business

Holden’s interest in business began when he was just five years old. He helped out at his family’s yard sale. That’s when he first got hooked on the idea of selling. Unlike most kids, he wasn’t interested in video games or TV. He enjoyed talking to adults and learning how things worked. He spent his childhood figuring out how to create and sell things.

Starting Coastal Cool During the Pandemic

In 2020, when the pandemic shut down schools, Holden had a lot of free time. Instead of spending that time playing video games, he decided to start a business. He wanted to create something that would make an impact. He came up with the idea for Coastal Cool, a clothing brand that makes swimwear from recycled plastic bottles. His goal was to create a business that was not only successful but also sustainable.

A Simple Business Plan

When Holden decided to start his business, he didn’t have a detailed plan. He made a simple Google Slide presentation to share his vision and goals. The presentation was basic, but it laid the foundation for his business. He pitched the idea to his parents, who were supportive of his vision. They helped him set up the legal structure of the business, including registering the LLC.

Learning the Business

Holden didn’t know much about running a business, but he was determined to learn. He turned to online resources like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts. He listened to other entrepreneurs share their experiences, including their mistakes and successes. This helped him understand how to run a business. He taught himself how to build a website, market his brand, and handle logistics. Everything he learned came from trial and error.

Creating a Sustainable Brand

Holden wanted his brand to stand for something more than just profits. He researched sustainable fabrics and wanted to create products that were both stylish and good for the planet. Coastal Cool’s swimwear is made from 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex. The fabrics are lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying. They also offer UPF 50+ sun protection. Holden wanted his swimwear to look good, feel good, and do good for the environment.

Overcoming Doubts and Challenges

At first, Holden faced a lot of challenges. Many people didn’t take him seriously because of his age. His classmates thought he was crazy for starting a business, and many adults doubted him as well. But Holden didn’t let this stop him. He knew he had a vision, and he was determined to make it happen. He pushed through the doubts and kept moving forward with his idea.

Growth and Media Attention

Initially, Holden started by selling T-shirts and hoodies. Later, he shifted his focus to swimwear. Over time, his brand started to get attention. In 2023, a local newspaper featured Coastal Cool, which brought a lot of attention to his business. Soon after, local TV stations and larger media outlets started to take notice. In April 2024, Holden was featured in Forbes. This recognition helped take his business to the next level.

Balancing Business and School

Managing Coastal Cool while being a high school student hasn’t been easy. Holden is the only employee, so he handles everything himself. He is also a junior in high school, which means he has to manage both school and work. To make it work, Holden follows a flexible schedule. He attends two in-person classes and takes two online college courses. This setup gives him time to focus on growing his business while also earning college credits. Balancing everything is stressful at times, but Holden has learned to stay organized and stay focused. He believes that passion is the key to managing his time and making everything work.

Coastal Cool’s Products

Coastal Cool’s swimwear is made from sustainable materials, with 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly. These products also offer UPF 50+ sun protection. The combination of eco-friendly materials and performance features makes Coastal Cool’s swimwear a popular choice. Holden is proud of how his brand combines style, comfort, and sustainability.

The Future of Coastal Cool

Looking ahead, Holden plans to expand Coastal Cool into in-person retail. He wants to bring his brand to a wider audience and show that age is no barrier to success. He started the business at 12 with just \$500, a vision, and a lot of determination. Now, at 17, his business is thriving.

Inspiring Other Young Entrepreneurs

Holden’s story serves as an inspiration to other young people. He believes that age shouldn’t stop anyone from following their dreams. He wants young people to know that they can start their own businesses and pursue their passions. It won’t always be easy, but if you stay focused and work hard, anything is possible.