#30: My Teen Made $200,000 in 5 Months

January 27, 2026

In this episode of Legacy Launchpad, Leah sits down with her eldest son, Ryder, to unpack one of the most unexpected and powerful case studies to ever come out of the family business.

What started as a “slow season experiment” — launching a second candle brand in just 30 days — quickly turned into a full-scale apprenticeship in entrepreneurship, responsibility, and growth. Within six months, Ryder stepped into the driver’s seat of the brand’s marketing and helped scale it past multiple six figures, including nearly $50,000 in December alone.

This conversation will inspire you about what happens when a young entrepreneur goes all in, takes ownership, and stops treating business like a side hobby. Leah and Ryder break down how homeschooling, character training, and real responsibility created the foundation for fast growth — and why the real limiting factor in business is almost never the business itself.

From quitting a job and joining the family venture, to running ads, writing copy, launching campaigns, and making executive decisions, Ryder shares what it’s actually like to be thrown into the deep end — with guidance, accountability, and real stakes.

This episode is especially powerful for:

Parents raising entrepreneurial kids
Young adults unsure if they’re “ready” for business
Entrepreneurs stuck at the same income ceiling
Anyone caught in tire-kicker mode instead of ownership mode
It’s honest, practical, and deeply encouraging — without sugarcoating the work it takes to grow.

In this episode, we explore:

How a second candle brand went from idea to launch in 30 days
Why Ryder quit his job to join the family business full-time
The role of homeschooling in developing ownership and self-direction
What it means to treat business as an apprenticeship, not a job
Running ads, writing emails, and owning marketing decisions at 19
The mindset shift from “I don’t have enough time” to expanded capacity
Why December nearly hit $50K — just five months after launch
The difference between responsibility and micromanagement
Why “realistic goals” often kill momentum
How setting uncomfortable targets drives real growth
The freedom (and intensity) of entrepreneurship during peak seasons
Balancing business, health, creativity, and personal passions
Ryder’s YouTube channel and creative work outside the business
Why business does not reward tire kickers — and what to do instead
This conversation is part case study, part mentorship, and part reality check — especially for anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure if they’re capable of more.

⏩ CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction: The Limiting Factor
(00:18) Welcome to Legacy Launchpad
(00:30) Interview With My Eldest Son
(01:46) Launching a New Candle Brand
(03:59) Joining the Family Business
(07:06) Homeschooling & Entrepreneurship
(15:31) Roles and Responsibilities
(18:50) Lessons Learned in Business
(22:17) Reflecting on Success and Growth
(23:27) Taking Directions From Family
(24:04) Top Skills for Young Entrepreneurs
(26:57) Setting Ambitious Goals
(30:47) The Freedom of Entrepreneurship
(37:42) Balancing Work & Personal Life
(39:09) Adapting to Business Demands
(40:18) Passions Beyond Business
(43:44) Final Thoughts & Advice

GET HELP FROM LEAH:
💰⛏️ The Goldmine (for complete beginners): https://leahmchenry.com/goldmine/
⚫ Apply for Mentorship & Work with Leah: https://tidycal.com/team/legacylaunchpad/strategy-chat