Teen paints double win during Rocket Pitch competition
A Bermuda Institute student cleaned up during the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Rocket Pitch competition, taking home the youth prize and the people’s choice award.
Zea Swainson, founder of Paintz, won $5,000, a year of one-gigabit internet from One Communication and a $200 certificate to services by 24/7 Ink.
The people’s choice award was decided by people watching through livestream and in person.
She said her family did a great job of messaging everyone they knew to ask them to vote.
“I enjoyed the competition and hearing all the other business ideas was great,” Ms Swainson said. “Winning people’s choice was excellent. It just proved that people were on my side and wanted to see me succeed.”
She launched her business during Harbour Night this year. Since that closed for the season in October, she has been busy face painting for various parties and events.
Twelve budding entrepreneurs pitched their ideas in six categories at Pier 6 in Hamilton this month.
First and second-place winners were chosen for each category, with each finalist receiving $5,000 for first and $2,000 for second, and a start-up services package sponsored by local businesses, including Transform Bermuda and LeadxDesign.
Youth Pitch
First: Zea Swainson (Paintz)
Second: Shammai Smith, Jahmai Davis and Kaiden Chew (Forevergreen, lawncare business)
Pitch Tech
First: John Payne (Kustom Kitz 3D, a pocket generator company)
Second: Thea Furbert (Here for You, a digital special-needs hub)
Pitch Pink
First:Tomika Smith (PR Bermuda, provider of romantic experiences)
Second: Dallanika Hayward (Sea Breeze Wellness Retreats)
Pitch Green
First: Keile Rabain (Summer by Keile clothing brand)
Second: Carlita Trott (Auto Magic, eco-friendly carwash)
Pitch Town
First: Camille Creary (Cocoon Work, self-guided therapeutic tools)
Second: Kimwana Eve (Lookie Lookie, small-business hub)
Pitch Food & Beverage
First: Jennifer Woods (Prep’d, healthy meal preparation)
Second: Brittany Cox (Brixx Bunz, home-made cinnamon rolls)
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