How a Teen Entrepreneur Turned IGCSE Business Studies into a Thriving Business

For many students, a school mascot is just a fun symbol of pride. For Mia, a full-time Crimson Global Academy (CGA) student in New Zealand, it became the inspiration for a thriving business, and a pathway into entrepreneurship while studying the International GCSE (IGCSE) Business Studies curriculum online.

At just 15 years-old, Mia transformed a crochet hobby picked up during lockdown into a real business venture, all while balancing her academic studies in IGCSE Business Studies, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Along the way, she has demonstrated the creativity, leadership, and ambition that CGA encourages in its students worldwide.

Mia’s journey is a perfect example of what happens when an online school acts as a launchpad for ambition, empowering students to pursue passions, gain real-world skills, and connect with a global community, all before graduation.

CGA’s International GCSE (IGCSE) Pathway

Crimson Global Academy offers students across the globe the opportunity to study the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (IGCSE) curriculum online. Recognised internationally, IGCSEs are an ideal stepping stone to A Levels and university pathways.

At CGA, students can choose from a wide range of IGCSE subjects, including Business Studies, Mathematics, Computer Science, Sciences, and Humanities. With live, interactive online classes taught by experienced teachers, students not only build strong academic foundations but also develop skills in time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all essential for future success.

From Hobby to Business: How Mia Became a Teen Entrepreneur

Discovering Crochet During Lockdown

During the pandemic, Mia discovered crochet with a small starter kit. What began as a casual pastime quickly became a passion:

“It started as a hobby, but quickly became something I loved investing time into,” she shares.

First Steps in Selling Products as a Student Business

Mia’s crochet creations range from imaginative animals to everyday characters. She began selling her designs at school and local markets before launching her own online store, applying the entrepreneurship and marketing concepts learned in IGCSE Business Studies to real life.

Turning a School Mascot Into a Product Line

Reimagining Winston the Mascot

One of Mia’s standout achievements has been reimagining Winston/Winnie, CGA’s school mascot, into a product range. Introduced for CGA’s 5-year anniversary, Winston inspired Mia to create a line of plushies and accessories:

“I instantly fell in love with Winston. Turning him into a plushie felt like the perfect way to celebrate school spirit.”

Scaling the Business

From mini keychains to jumbo plushies nearly 70 centimetres tall, Mia’s Winston collection has grown into a business she proudly presented to CGA’s CEO, proof that with creativity, students can bring ideas to life while still in high school.

Balancing IGCSE Studies With Entrepreneurship

Running a business while studying is no small feat. Mia credits CGA’s flexible online model with helping her manage both academic and entrepreneurial goals:

“Being at CGA has taught me how to manage my time effectively. I try to stay on top of my schoolwork so I can set aside focused time for crocheting.”

Students at CGA studying IGCSE Business, Mathematics, or Computer Science benefit from the same structure: focused class time complemented by independent study blocks, making it possible to balance academics with personal projects, internships, or business ventures.

Beyond Academics: Clubs, Mentorship, and Global Connections

CGA students don’t just study online, they join a vibrant community of peers worldwide. Mia participates in the Founders Club, where she first received encouragement from teachers and classmates to turn Winston into a plushie. She also enjoys activities like choir competitions and Glee Club.

This combination of clubs, mentorship, and global friendships means CGA students gain not just qualifications, but also the confidence and network to pursue their ambitions.

Launching Futures: How CGA Empowers the Next Generation of Business Leaders

Mia’s crochet business is just the beginning. She plans to pursue a future in entrepreneurship, combining her creativity with the foundation she’s building in IGCSE Business Studies.

At CGA, students access:

• Globally recognised IGCSE and A Level qualifications
• Real-world mentorship and leadership opportunities
• A supportive international community of peers and educators

This combination prepares students to become teen entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, no matter where in the world they’re based.

Study IGCSE Business Studies Online and Launch Your Future

For Mia, a lockdown hobby turned into a thriving business, all while she studies IGCSEs with Crimson Global Academy. She has found academic challenge, a supportive global network, mentorship, and the flexibility to create impact beyond the classroom.

At CGA, students don’t just learn. They launch their futures. Mia’s journey shows that with the right school, teenagers everywhere can gain internationally recognised qualifications while developing the real-world skills that set them apart.

Crimson Global Academy is more than a school; it’s a launchpad for future entrepreneurs, innovators, and global leaders.