Maya Penn: Meet a young entrepreneur, cartoonist, designer, activist ... | TED

Summary

In this engaging script, Maya Penn, a young animator and entrepreneur, shares her journey of creativity and environmental stewardship. At just eight years old, she founded 'Maya's Ideas', an eco-friendly clothing line, and 'Maya's Ideas for the Planet', a nonprofit. With a passion for technology and animation, she created 'Malicious Dishes', a whimsical take on viruses in a restaurant setting. Maya's innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability have earned her recognition in Forbes and a TEDx stage, inspiring others to embrace both business success and a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🍳 The customer orders a RAM sandwich, Code 39, and a batch of zombie tracking cookies in a playful interaction imagining a world where computer viruses dine at a restaurant.
• 🎨 Maya Penn started drawing and creating flip books as a toddler and discovered her passion for animation at a young age.
• 💻 Her love for technology and creativity sparked the idea for 'Malicious Dishes,' a story about viruses living in a world inside a computer.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Maya’s father introduced her to technology by teaching her how to take apart and reassemble a computer at four years old.
• 🐝 She’s working on an animated series called 'The Pollinators,' focusing on the importance of pollinators in the environment.
• 💡 Maya highlights the power of ideas, emphasizing how they drive innovation and societal progress.
• 👗 At eight, Maya started her own business, 'Maya's Ideas,' making eco-friendly clothing and accessories.
• 🌍 Maya's business is eco-conscious, ensuring that her products are environmentally friendly and supporting global and local charities.
• 📈 Despite her young age, Maya learned about business management, including branding, marketing, and customer engagement.
• 🌿 Maya is part of a new wave of entrepreneurs focused on sustainability, driven by a passion for protecting the environment and creating a greener future.

Q & A

What is the theme of the 'Malicious Dishes' animation?

The theme of 'Malicious Dishes' is a humorous take on computer viruses, where they are personified and depicted as if they are part of a restaurant serving dishes with names related to computer jargon.

At what age did Maya Penn learn about the profession of an animator?

Maya Penn learned about the profession of an animator at the age of three.

What sparked Maya's interest in technology?

Maya's interest in technology was sparked by a virus on her computer, which led her to imagine a world inside the computer where viruses interact.

What is the name of the animated series Maya is working on?

Maya is working on an animated series called 'The Pollinators.'

What is the main message of 'The Pollinators' animated series?

The main message of 'The Pollinators' is to highlight the importance of bees and other pollinators in our environment for the survival of all creatures, including humans.

At what age did Maya Penn start her own business?

Maya Penn started her own business called Maya's Ideas at the age of eight.

What is the focus of Maya's business in terms of environmental impact?

Maya's business focuses on being eco-friendly by producing clothing and accessories that are safe for the environment and by donating a portion of the profits to environmental organizations.

How did Maya learn about the harmful effects of certain clothing production processes?

Maya learned about the harmful effects of certain clothing production processes, such as the use of dyes and waste issues, from her parents and through her own research.

What was the age of Maya Penn when Forbes magazine contacted her?

Forbes magazine contacted Maya Penn when she was 10 years old.

What percentage of profits does Maya's business donate to charities and environmental organizations?

Maya's business donates 10 to 20 percent of the profits to local and global charities and environmental organizations.

What does Maya believe is necessary to create a sustainable future?

Maya believes that it is necessary to meet the needs of customers without compromising the ability of future generations to live in a greener tomorrow, and that ideas are what drive innovation and change.