Mo's Bows: A Young Person's Guide to Startup Success

July 1, 2019
An entrepreneurial phenom offers advice to similarly inclined kids. At 9, Mo Bridges struggled to sew his first bow tie under the loving mentorship of his granny. At 11, he landed a deal on the TV show Shark Tank as one of its youngest entrepreneurs. Currently the 17-year-old owner of a successful bow-tie business, Bridges pens his first guide for young entrepreneurs. The book is divided into segments that explain the approach behind his strong startup, Measure, Cut, Stitch. He deftly points out the difference between undertaking hourly labor and the way a sharp entrepreneur thinks, using mowing lawns as an example. Working at $8 an hour for five hours nets $40, but charging $20 per lawn can, at five lawns in a day, garner $100. Numbers aside, Bridges alludes to crafting a genuine story, building relationships, and mastering social media to gain a loyal customer base. His ingenuity landed him a licensing deal with the NBA and even the opportunity to design the "Obama Blue Bow Tie." Growing older into high school, he shares the story of his frustration with his new "hideous" school uniform, transcending it by following the advice in his own pep talk that he gives to others, to "stay true to yourself," and successfully produces his first stylish necktie that would become a signature addition to his uniform. Numerous black-and-white photos depict the young, bow-tie-clad African American entrepreneur. This up-and-coming creative will definitely inspire many young people with his positive, confidence-boosting startup guide. (glossary) (Memoir. 11-14)

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October 1, 2019

Gr 6-9-Bridges, teen entrepreneur and Shark Tank contestant, presents a step-by-step guide for creating a small business or start-up. He uses examples from his own business, Mo's Bows, as well as hypothetical situations including lemonade stands and lawn-mowing services. He covers everything from product testing to using social media to promote a business. Bridges's advice is standard but practical: focus on making a product you're proud of, practice your elevator pitch, etc. Bridges explains to readers how to maximize their earning potential in a world that often takes advantage of young workers. However, even with a glossary in the back, the vocabulary may be inaccessible to those with lower reading levels. The business examples such as the lemonade stand indicate a younger audience. The challenge for this book is finding the appropriate reader: a student who can handle the vocabulary but who does not feel infantilized by the young tone. VERDICT It's refreshing to see a book that acknowledges the creativity and budding business sense of young people. However, while the content is fun and informational, the work may appeal only to a limited audience.-Jeri Murphy, C.F. Simmons Middle School, Aurora, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
Grades 5-8 Here's a how-to-start-your-own-business guide for young entrepreneurs by someone who knows what he's talking about: 17-year-old Moziah Bridges, the founder of Mo's Bows Handmade Bow Ties. Moziah went from trading ties for candy on his school playground to achieving financial success; appearing on TV on Shark Tank, Oprah, and the Today Show; making special deliveries to President Obama; and landing an exclusive team tie contract with the NBA. He credits his considerable success to his BOWS mantra: Believe in yourself, find Opportunities to give back, Work hard, and Seek support from family and friends. He's serious about giving back: in 2012, he established the Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund and, subsequently, the Mo's Bows Foundation. Much of his advice is familiar (always look your best, be persistent, offer a firm handshake) but is delivered via engaging, personal examples that should resonate with readers. This appealing, photo-illustrated manual from a charismatic role model offers sound advice and will be useful for supporting finance units and encouraging neophyte tycoons.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)