Teen-run businesses that power dreams, skills, and economic opportunity across Washington, DC.
Our Social Enterprises
Teen-Run Businesses
YEI’s programs incorporate a social entrepreneurship model. All of our student-run social enterprises sell products at retail locations in the community and through online marketing. These youth-led enterprises generate profits that are distributed to the Managing Owners (students), creating employment opportunities for youth to earn a living wage and gain invaluable experience as they transition toward becoming their own business owners.
Our students are involved in every aspect, from recipe testing and refinement to marketing, packaging, and sales.
Your purchases help provide students with meaningful wages, empowering their growth and real-world learning.
Native Artistic Products
NATIVE trains and hires youth from East of the River DC to create culturally relevant artist products.
Shop Native
Scented Futures
Students handcraft eco-friendly candles and beauty products while learning business and chemistry.
Shop Scented Futures
Good Hair Beauty
YEI’s beauty brand promotes self-love and confidence with handmade natural care products.
Shop Good Hair
You Dream, We Design
Students create logos, printables, and creative tools for community entrepreneurs. Real design work meets youth vision.
Shop You Dream
❤️ Help Us "Put Poverty Out of Business"
Here at YEI, we believe a youth-led economy is possible. All purchases support our work to help youth East of the River foster economic independence, creativity, and leadership. This, in turn, helps break the cycle of violence and poverty in our communities.
You can shop online or subscribe to receive quarterly boxes containing handmade products by our youth entrepreneurs and interns.
🌟 Featured Social Enterprises
creates one hour of paid-training 💸 💸 💸
for a future young person in the community.
📦 Native Seasonal (limited edition) Subscription Box
Discover unique social good products made by youth in Southeast Washington, DC. Enjoy DC’s best youth-made items delivered to your door four times a year. Each box includes 5–10 handmade items, valued at $100–$200.
Handmade by Youth
Unique, culturally rich items created with care by local youth entrepreneurs.
Delivered Quarterly
Get boxes in February, May, August, and November, curated for each season.
Empower Youth
Your subscription provides living wages and mentorship for young creators.
📸 Don’t forget to use #yeidc when you show your youth-made merch on social media! ❤️