"Not Just Building a Business"
“If a book can create a whole new world, one letter could save a life,” shared CEO Milan McKnight. “What would you do if it meant making a difference?” McKnight asked. “It’s one thing not to want to live; it’s another to feel like you’re living with no meaning.”
Citing a 2023 New York Times article that indicated a staggering amount of women suffering from extreme depression and the benefits of mentorship, McKnight shared more about her passion and her business. Letters to Kelia is a faith-based mentorship and personal development initiative that empowers young women aged 15–18 through personalized, faith-centered guidance. Through her company, McKnight provides handcrafted letters, custom faith-inspired accessories, and mentorship content to support spiritual and personal growth. The program bridges the gap between traditional mentorship and modern engagement, offering a unique blend of handwritten letters, digital resources, and community outreach.
As entrepreneurs often do, McKnight presented her business plan, market analysis, and financials to the investors. “With unshakable passion, a proven track record of leadership, and an unrelenting vision for impact, I am not just building a business; I am igniting a generation to walk boldly in faith and self-worth,” she shared.
From Student to CEO!
But what’s unique about this CEO is that she is a high school student and part of this year’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program through the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.
YEA! Frisco, in partnership with the Frisco Economic Development Corporation and Frisco ISD, is in its 15th program year, has graduated over 363 student CEOs, and has invested over $130,000 in these student-run businesses. Many of these middle and high school students have become successful entrepreneurs or serial entrepreneurs, created other companies or social movements, and a few have multi-million-dollar deals.
McKnight was one of 15 businesses pitching for a portion of the $10,000 prize money this year. The businesses asked for investments ranging from $400 to $200,500. Products ranged from a one-size-fits-all safety backpack for cyclists to a digital platform that supports seniors and their caregivers and even an app that scans food labels and sends an alert of a possible allergy.
As the winner of the YEA! Frisco Investors panel, in May, Milan McKnight will go on to compete for cash prizes, scholarships, and the title of America’s Top Entrepreneur at the highly competitive YEA! National Saunders competition in Rochester, New York. Over the past five years, YEA! Frisco has brought home three first-place trophies and two second-place trophies.
The investors and judges came from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and we’re able to ask the CEOs questions in a shark-tank-like manner.
YEA! Brings Immense Value
And while only one student can advance to the national competition, the other 26 YEA! Frisco students have gained valuable insights over the school year, and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) brings immense value to a community by cultivating the next generation of business leaders and innovators. It strengthens the local economy by encouraging student-run businesses, fosters a culture of problem-solving, and builds connections between youth and local mentors. Beyond entrepreneurship, it enhances educational outcomes through hands-on learning, financial literacy, and communication skills, while also boosting students’ confidence. Programs like YEA! inspire a sense of purpose and possibility, showing young people that their ideas matter—and giving the entire community a reason to invest in its future.
I think we can all agree…the future looks pretty bright!
