Steven Haggerty is a 17 year old entrepreneur living in the South of France. Steven used his website and graphic design skills to start Salut Designs. Steven services clients all around the world. In this interview, learn how Steven started his business while still a teenager.

What is the name of your business?

My business is called Salut World; Salut World is the heart of the business with the different areas split up into Salut Designs and Salut Hosting. This gives us more room to expand in the future.

What does your business do?

We offer businesses and individuals everything they need to get there business online, from website & graphic design to Hosting services (shared & dedicated).

When did you start your business?

I started Salut Designs in 2007 and Salut Hosting in 2009.

How did you come up with your business idea?

I have always been interested in website design from the start of high school when we would design a site for a project in I.T class. Then when I was 15 I started to do it more and more then in 2007 I started to do it more professionally.

How has your business evolved since the start of your business?

We have expanded into hosting and plan to expand more. The business has evolved in such a positive way by generating more customers and we now have a good name for ourselves.

Have you always been entrepreneurial?

Yes I believe so, from when I was in the first year of high school (aged 12) I would make mix CDs and sell them to my friends I also started an radio show with some friends. So I think I was always supposed to go into business.

Do your parents help you with the business?

My mum usually makes sure that all my customer contracts and invoices are OK. She also checks my accounts so it is all legal.

You are a great mentor for other teens. How are some of the ways you inspire other teens to start their business?

Thanks, I just make sure they know that they can do it! Plus I think if they see someone who is still a “teenager” doing well in the business world this will help them as it will give them a confidence boost. I am also there to give advice to young people who have a business or are thinking of starting one!

What advice would you give other teens that may have a business idea and are ready to start a business?

Make sure you host your sites with me! I think that as long as the idea is good and you honestly think people will buy into it then go for it! Pick a date to launch your new business. This will help you get everything in order as you are on a deadline.

What are your plans for the future of your business?

I plan to expand the “salut” name into different areas of business, I would love to get into property but I will not do that until I am in my 20s. I have a lot of ideas for my business and I plan to see them all through. I am always open to business ventures.

What inspires you?

Seeing people who have succeeded, people like my brother who started young and is doing well for himself now. One of my goals is to do better than him! Also people like Richard Branson as he has his “Virgin” name and has done all sort with it so why can’t I?

Have you read any books that have helped in your entrepreneurial journey?

Richard Branson’s biography was very inspiring. Also I have started to read “think and grow rich, the original classic” it’s a very can do it book which I like. I really enjoy reading auto-biographies mainly because you can see their how they got to where they are and if they failed why they failed.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks for the interview. If anybody would like to contact me feel free to do so! My blog is www.stevenhaggerty.co.uk and twitter/stevenhaggerty. Like I said, if anyone has any questions let me know!

You can also visit Salut Designs at http://www.salutdesigns.com/ or
Salut Hosting at http://www.saluthosting.com/.

Julie Barnes is a Freelance Writer focusing on her passion of entrepreneurship. Julie published “So You Want to Start a Business…Now What?” (http://www.so-you-want-to-start-a-business.com/ ) in December 2009. Julie lives and works in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS with her husband Ron and lovable dog Hank. You can visit her site at http://www.onewhowrites.com.