Thirteen-year-old Eric Meyer, a Grade 8 student at Centennial Schools, is already turning creativity into a business. Through his business venture, Hint of Africa, Eric has created a uniquely South African take on something best described as a “Quillow” – a versatile pillow that unfolds into a full-sized blanket, crafted using vibrant, African-inspired Shweshwe fabric.
Eric’s entrepreneurial journey began when his mother started Hint of Africa. As her commitments grew, Eric saw an opportunity to step in and take over the business, driven by a desire to learn firsthand how entrepreneurship and business work. His ambition is clear: to become the youngest successful entrepreneur in his family.
Eric’s long-term vision is to grow Hint of Africa into a sustainable business that could create full-time employment for at least five seamstresses. He sees opportunities to place the Quillow in tourist shops at airports, hotels, the Kruger National Park and private game reserves, where the blankets could provide warmth during chilly game drives.
Shaun Fuchs, Founder and CEO of Centennial Schools, says that South Africa needs more young people who can identify opportunities, solve problems and create value. “Entrepreneurship forms a core part of our curriculum, supported by practical initiatives that we run such as NextGen Founders; an annual entrepreneurship programme that we designed to help students from Grades 6 to 11 create, develop, and manage their own businesses. It enables students to test ideas in real market conditions and work closely with experienced business leaders”.