Local nonprofit creates new entrepreneurial pathway for ATL Water Boys

March 3rd, 2023

From left to right: Sheldon Peoples and Addison Roberts. The teen entrepreneurs are part of a group of teens learning about entrepreneurship through a new initiative created by Helping Empower Youth (HEY!) (Photo courtesy of HEY!)

Atlanta teen entrepreneurs Addison Roberts and Sheldon Peoples say they started selling bottles of water to stay out of trouble and make some extra cash.

Roberts and Peoples were part of a group known as the “ATL Water Boys.” The teens, who were once often spotted on street corners throughout the city selling bottles of water, are now part of a new initiative through the Atlanta-based nonprofit Helping Empower Youth (HEY!) that’s working to empower and inspire teens.

HEY! recently launched an entrepreneurial incubator program that allows teens to sell bottled water under the HEY! HYDRATE brand.

On Friday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Kaycey Vennings, the co-founder and executive director of HEY, and the two teen entrepreneurs spoke about the program’s success and plans to launch the water brand at a local grocery store.