In an issue of SUCCESS dedicated to relentless hustling, chasing bigger dreams, ditching excuses, and turning aspirations into reality—no matter the scale—it was only fitting to introduce the magazine's first-ever 30 Under 30 list.
This remarkable group of diverse individuals, all 30 or younger, represents the pinnacle of the YouEconomy's New American Dream. Beyond building personal wealth and financial security, they craft deep personal meaning, foster genuine connections, exert real influence, and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. Fiercely independent, each pursues an intrinsic mission with total commitment to their unique skills, passions, and drive.
As you discover these extraordinary young leaders and their innovative paths, reflect on the core qualities and values that bind them. Consistently, these under-30 trailblazers embody the essential principles of success in business, life, and growth.
Brennan Agranoff, 19
Founder of HoopSwagg, an athletic sock company.
When Agranoff was 12, he spotted vibrant socks on Instagram. His friends' envy sparked an idea. "All my friends and kids at school wanted a pair. I saw the demand, researched production, and nine months later, developed samples—proving the concept by selling on eBay." Today, HoopSwagg generates over $1 million in annual sales.
Hector Lopez, 29; Eddy Homez, 29; Omar Arambula, 29
Co-founders of Instasize, a photo-editing app.
College friends who launched Instasize in 2012 to resize rectangular photos into Instagram squares. Last year: $14 million revenue, 12 million monthly users.
How do you define success?
Lopez: "Success is overcoming failure."
Homez: "Success and gratitude go hand in hand. Daily practice keeps perspective amid chasing goals."
Arambula: "Do I love what I do? Am I creating value? Yes to both is success."
Will Ahmed, 29
Founder and CEO of WHOOP, a sports performance company.
WHOOP's wearables track recovery, sleep, strain, and more for elite athletes and fitness buffs. "Harvard squash captain and varsity athlete, I overtrained and saw peers injured. I dove into physiology, reading 500 medical papers in college."
LaForce Baker, 29
Founder and CEO of Moon Meals, Inc., healthy takeout meals.
"A personal health journey—from obesity in South Chicago to marathon-finishing—led me here. I recreated healthier favorites."
Numbers: 10 employees, 187 locations.
Lisa Barnett, 29
Co-founder and CMO of Little Spoon, organic baby food.
In maternity VC, she learned early nutrition shapes lifelong health. "My niece Adalyn is my world. When my sister said her food was older than the baby, I joined to deliver fresh, nutritious options everywhere."
Matt Hyder, 26
Creator of Recoup Fitness, hot/cold therapy products.
"High school 1.9 GPA; counselor said I'd amount to nothing. I carry those words as fuel. I'd rather die than prove them right."
Jeff Cayley, 29
Founder and CEO of Cycling Worldwide, custom high-end mountain bikes.
Success means joyful pursuits: playing the business game, biking, adrenaline, supporting loved ones, impactful time. "Many boxes to check—I strive to tick them all with a smile."
Ben Cogan, 29
Co-founder of Hubble, contact lens subscription.
With Jesse Horwitz, they bypass middlemen for $30/month daily lenses.
Success: "Solving problems through inspiration and perseverance."
Prince Ea, 30
Filmmaker, speaker, activist (born Richard Williams).
Tackles climate change, racism, body image. "A decade ago, words moved me—I aimed to inspire via social media." Goal: Help 7 billion unlock potential.
Jordan Lee Dooley, 24
Speaker, blogger, podcaster for intentional living.
"Entrepreneurs chase plans but miss connections. My early success? Listening, building relationships before branding."
Ankur Jain, 29
Co-founder/CEO Kairos VC fund; ex-founder/CEO Humin.
Started MyOnlineQuiz.com at 11; Wharton grad; Humin sold to Tinder. Kairos aids 100+ startups in health, education, water.
Adelaida Diaz-Roa, 27
Co-founder Nomo FOMO (social travel), Lontananza Foundation (Colombia early ed).
"Monopoly at 10 hooked me on business—exchange, strategy, fun." Also co-founded Villy Custom (Shark Tank).
Laura Johnson, 27
Founder You & Yours Distilling Co., San Diego gin/vodka.
Advice: "Entrepreneurship isn't for all. Ensure 100% belief and total commitment."
Jake Kassan, 28
CEO/Co-founder MVMT, watches/accessories.
"Dropped out, maxed credit cards—no resonant watch, so I made one." Post-three failures: 1.5M+ watches sold.
Crystal Lee, 27
Host It's SF (CBS Bay Area spotlight); co-founder LifeSite.
"Solopreneurship hones quick decisions. Yoda: Do or don't."
Asia Monet Ray, 13
Musician, dancer (millions IG followers; Dance Moms, Raising Asia).
"Love creative control, organic social presence."
Emma Kozlowski, 28
Creator Emma Lyn Designs, custom accessories.
Self-taught sewing for phone pouch; now custom clutches via site. "Pride in solo achievements—hard work pays off."
Bethany Mota, 23
YouTube star/influencer.
Haul videos led to massive following, retail lines (clothing, scents), book, tours, charities.
Numbers: IG 5.1M, FB 1.6M+, Twitter 5.3M+, YT 10.3M+ subs.
Nanxi Liu, 29
Co-founder/CFO Nanoly Bioscience; CEO Enplug.
Vaccine polymers, digital signage. Emmy producer (The Bay). "Pursue passions across sectors."
Usama Riaz, 23
Upwork engineer; founder/CEO Minibit (mobile apps).
"$25K/month. Freelancing: Choose problems, lucrative with grit."
Jeff Seid, 25
Fitness trainer, author, influencer (3.5M IG, 2.5M FB); SeidWear, online training.
"Freedom of solopreneurship—worldwide with WiFi, social power."
Alina Morse, 14
CEO Zollipops, sugar-free, oral-health candy.
"Tired of 'too much sugar,' created healthy treats worldwide."
Daquan Oliver, 27
Founder WeThrive, student business program.
From low-income roots: "Promise to succeed, uplift others—WeThrive fulfills it."
Kelly Belknap, 27; Matilda Sandström, 24
Co-founders Adventurist Backpack Co..
Minimalist travel packs; 25 meals per sale to U.S. families. Inspired by global hunger firsthand.
Marisa Sergi, 25
Founder Red Head Wine.
Cornell viticulture grad; capstone project launched brand post-CA winery gig. Age 10: Aspired winemaker.
Kris Sanchez, 27
Founder/CEO UberFacts (20M+ followers).
Advice: "Try everything. A million bad ideas led to the one that found me."
Victor Santos, 27
Co-founder/CEO Airfox, mobile finance for underserved (Brazil first).
"Brazil's inequality inspired inclusive fintech."
