AVON -- While most teenagers are playing video games or sports, 15-year-old Austin Maile is running his own business.

Maile's business journey started as a 4-H project making herb jelly and showcasing them at the county fair.

"Somebody asked if we sold the jelly so we decided to start selling. I really enjoyed it and after that started selling more," says Maile.

From there, Austin's Acres was not only created, but his product supply quickly grew.

"We make barbecue sauce, pasta sauce, pickles, bloody marry mix, hot sauces and fire roasted coffee," says Maile.

With the help from his family, Maile plants, grows, harvest and cans all his homemade good in his own backyard.

His homemade hot sauce even captured the eyes of wing enthusiasts by taking first place at this years Wing Fest competition.

"I've been competing in Wing Fest for about four years now. Last year I got third place and this year I was able to take first which felt pretty good," says Maile.

Maile typically sells his products every Friday at the St. Joseph Farmers Market during the summer. And his advice to other young entrepreneurs is find what you love and how you can sell it.

(Photo: Richard Leguil, WJON)
(Photo: Richard Leguil, WJON)
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