Dashia Moxey watched her parents struggle through financial hardships. The experience moved her to start earning money on her own at just 14 years old. She launched a skincare line using her school lunch money as startup capital. This bold decision marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
The young Bahamian didn’t stop with just one business venture. She began offering locs hairstyling services to clients in her community. Additionally, she started selling candied fruit to generate extra income. She saved every dollar she made from these businesses while still attending school.
Teen Entrepreneur Saves Money With Clear Vision
Moxey had a specific objective driving her savings efforts. She wanted to open her own clothing store one day. This clear goal kept her motivated through years of hard work and sacrifice. She remained focused despite the challenges of balancing school and multiple businesses.
A dean at her school provided crucial encouragement during difficult times. This mentor’s support helped Moxey persevere when doubts crept in. The guidance proved invaluable as she navigated the complexities of teenage entrepreneurship. With determination and faith, she never gave up on her dream.
Opening Astra Boutique at 19 While Studying Law
Today, at just 19 years old, Moxey owns her own clothing boutique. She also maintains several side businesses while pursuing higher education. She currently studies law at the University of The Bahamas. Her ability to balance academics and entrepreneurship demonstrates exceptional time management and dedication.
Moxey opened Astra Boutique in February 2025, achieving her long-held dream. This milestone came just months after graduating from Temple Christian High School in June 2024. She wasted no time transforming her vision into reality. The quick transition from high school to business ownership showcases her drive and preparation.
Facing Slow Sales Despite Online Recognition
The first few months of operating Astra Boutique proved challenging for the young entrepreneur. Moxey admitted that the initial period tested her resolve significantly. “When I first opened, I was getting a lot of recognition online, but it wasn’t the same as in the store,” she told The Tribune.
Social media support didn’t immediately translate into physical store traffic. “Everyone was saying ‘oh y’all should support her, y’all should come through.’ But no one was coming through, it was really slow,” she explained. The disconnect between online encouragement and actual customer visits created financial pressure. Moxey began questioning whether she had made the right decision.
Finding Strength Through Faith During Business Struggles
The slow start forced Moxey to examine her faith more deeply. She recognized that her spiritual foundation needed strengthening during this trial. “That’s when I realised I can’t joke around with my faith,” she said. The challenge became an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
Her renewed faith provided the strength to push through difficult times. Rather than giving up, she doubled down on her commitment to success. This resilience eventually paid off as business gradually improved. The experience taught her valuable lessons about perseverance and trust.
Diverse Product Range Attracts Multiple Customer Types
Today, Astra Boutique offers an impressive variety of products for customers. The store sells clothing, jewelry, and handbags to fashion-conscious shoppers. Hair products and skincare items appeal to beauty enthusiasts. Accessories round out the diverse inventory selection.
This multi-category approach allows Moxey to serve different customer needs under one roof. It also reduces risk by not depending on a single product type. The strategy demonstrates business savvy beyond her years. Customers appreciate the convenience of one-stop shopping for multiple product categories.
Expanding Into Event Services With Sip and Paint Rentals
Moxey’s entrepreneurial ambitions extend beyond the boutique’s physical inventory. She ventured into event services with a creative offering. Her “Sip and Paint” rental business provides all necessary supplies for customers. This service taps into the growing market for experiential entertainment.
The rental business creates an additional revenue stream alongside boutique sales. It also attracts different customer demographics who might not shop for clothing. Moxey told The Tribune that this diversification helps stabilize her overall income. The strategy reflects sophisticated business thinking for a 19-year-old entrepreneur.
Young Business Owner Calls Success a Blessing
Moxey considers having her own business at this age a “blessing.” She expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities she’s created through hard work. One accomplishment makes her particularly proud. She took her mother on a trip using money earned from the boutique.
This achievement represents more than just financial success for Moxey. It symbolizes her ability to give back to the parent who supported her. Providing for her mother validates all the sacrifices she made starting at 14. The trip represents a full-circle moment in her entrepreneurial journey.
Law Student Plans Political Career to Help Young Entrepreneurs
Moxey’s ambitions extend far beyond business ownership and personal success. As a law student, she has clear plans for her future impact. She hopes to enter politics eventually to create systemic change. Her political aspirations focus on helping young entrepreneurs overcome barriers she faced.
She wants to advocate for more youth involvement in national development. Moxey understands firsthand the challenges young people face when starting businesses. Her lived experience will inform her future policy advocacy efforts. She plans to use her political platform to create opportunities for others.
From Lunch Money to Business Empire Through Hard Work
Moxey’s journey from using lunch money to owning multiple businesses inspires many. Her story demonstrates what’s possible with vision, sacrifice, and determination. Starting at 14 with limited resources, she built something substantial by 19. The transformation required years of consistent effort and smart decision-making.
Her multiple income streams—skincare, hairstyling, candied fruit, boutique, and event services—show strategic thinking. She learned early that diversification provides financial stability and growth opportunities. This approach protected her during the boutique’s slow start. The foundation she built as a teenager now supports her adult dreams.
Mentorship Plays Crucial Role in Teen Success
The dean who encouraged Moxey played a vital role in her success. This mentor’s support during difficult times made a significant difference. Young entrepreneurs often need adults who believe in their vision. Moxey’s story highlights the importance of mentorship for youth business owners.
Her experience shows that encouragement can sustain young people through challenges. The dean’s faith in her abilities helped Moxey maintain her own faith. This relationship demonstrates how communities can support young entrepreneurs effectively. Mentorship becomes especially crucial when family financial struggles create additional pressure.
Balancing University Studies With Business Management
Moxey’s ability to manage a boutique while studying law showcases exceptional skills. Law school demands significant time and mental energy from students. Running a business requires constant attention and problem-solving. Successfully balancing both demonstrates remarkable organizational abilities and discipline.
Her daily schedule likely involves early mornings, late nights, and careful prioritization. She must allocate time for classes, studying, inventory management, and customer service. This juggling act prepares her for future challenges in law and business. The experience provides practical education beyond classroom learning.
Advice for Young People: Hard Work Makes Dreams Possible
Moxey offers straightforward guidance to other young people with entrepreneurial dreams. She emphasizes that with hard work and commitment, nothing is impossible. Her own journey from lunch money to business owner proves this principle. She encourages youth not to limit themselves based on age or resources.
“But also you shouldn’t be afraid, because God wouldn’t put you in a position that you can’t handle,” she added. This faith-based perspective sustained her through difficult periods. She wants other young people to trust their abilities and divine guidance. Her message combines practical work ethic with spiritual encouragement.
Teen Success Story Inspires Bahamian Youth Entrepreneurship
Moxey’s accomplishments inspire other young Bahamians to pursue their business dreams. She proves that age doesn’t determine capability or potential for success. Her visibility creates a role model for teenagers considering entrepreneurship. Young people can see themselves in her story and imagine similar possibilities.
The Bahamas benefits from having young entrepreneurs contributing to economic development. Moxey’s businesses create employment opportunities and serve community needs. Her future political aspirations could multiply this impact significantly. She represents a new generation of leaders combining business acumen with social consciousness.
