MESSy Minds Camp is a 8-week immersive summer program for young entrepreneurs ages 8–16. Focused on activating the creative side of the brain, this hands-on experience helps students channel their boldest, messiest ideas into structured, sellable products—with the potential to earn beyond the summer.
Campers will design and launch their own product from scratch while learning the core principles of branding, marketing, and business acumen. From concept to launch, students will walk away with more than just a product—they'll leave with a new mindset, practical skills, and the confidence to build something of their own.
Program Overview
This hands-on summer program invites students to tap into the creative side of their minds—the “MESSy” part where the best ideas are born and shaped into real, tangible products.
From ideation to execution, campers will explore the full lifecycle of a product: brainstorming brand concepts, sketching designs, prototyping with accessible tools, and learning how to market and sell their creations. Each student will have the opportunity to build a brand from scratch, rooted in their own passions, personality, and creative voice.
Campers will work with everyday resources—smartphones, free or low-cost design software, and basic materials—proving that you don’t need expensive equipment or formal experience to launch a big idea. Whether their final product is a t-shirt, tote bag, sticker line, candle, or something entirely unique, students will learn practical skills in branding, design, product development, photography, and marketing.
By the end of the program, each student will walk away with:
A fully developed brand identity
A handmade product prototype
A digital lookbook or pitch deck
And the confidence to present and sell their vision at our final showcase event
At MESSy Minds Camp, we don’t just teach business—we cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem solving, and the belief that your ideas can become something real. This camp is about more than making products. It’s about turning mess into magic—and potential into profit.
Branding and Marketing
Students begin by discovering what makes a brand more than just a logo. They’ll learn how to translate their personality, values, and voice into a visual identity that speaks to their audience. From moodboards and typography to slogans and storytelling, we guide campers through the process of building a brand with intention and style. They’ll also explore real-world marketing strategies tailored to modern platforms—learning how to write product descriptions, craft compelling bios, and use social media tools to promote their products. We help young entrepreneurs understand not just how to create something, but how to connect it to a community.
Product Development & Photography
Students will get hands-on with the creative process of bringing a product to life. Whether it’s pressing vinyl onto a shirt, designing a tote, or assembling a sticker pack, campers will explore various production methods using accessible tools and materials. They’ll also be introduced to product photography—learning how to use natural light, simple backdrops, and their smartphones to capture high-quality visuals. By the end of this phase, students will not only have a product prototype in hand but also the visuals and content needed to market it effectively.
Entrepreneurial Mindset and Real-World Skills
MESSy Minds Camp is about more than crafting products— it’s about cultivating confidence, independence, and a mindset rooted in creative problem-solving. Campers will learn how to think like entrepreneurs: how to identify what people need, how to improve an idea based on feedback, and how to speak about their brand with clarity and conviction. Through collaborative critique, reflection activities, and a final showcase event, students will strengthen their communication and leadership skills. We want every camper to leave knowing that their creativity isn’t just valuable—it’s marketable.
ABOUT CAMP INSTRUCTORS
Kalilah Wright is a visionary designer, entrepreneur, and educator who uses creativity as a tool for empowerment. She is the founder and CEO of Mess in a Bottle, an expressive apparel brand known for delivering bold messages inside reusable bottles. Since launching in 2016, Kalilah has grown the company into a nationally recognized brand worn by cultural icons like Serena Williams and Lena Waithe, and featured in Essence, Teen Vogue, and more.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, Kalilah holds a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University and a Master of Architecture from Morgan State University. She began her career in architecture, including a role as a store designer at Under Armour, before channeling her creative expertise into building her own company from the ground up.
In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Kalilah dedicated five years teaching at Baltimore City’s Polytechnic Institute. There, she has helped shape young minds, blending her background in architecture and product design with a passion for developing the next generation of creative thinkers.
With deep experience across design, business, and education, Kalilah is committed to helping young people turn their ideas into real-world products—and showing them that creativity can be the foundation of a sustainable business.
Andrew Copeland is a passionate graphic designer, educator, and creative mentor whose work bridges artistic expression with real-world impact. A proud alumnus of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Andrew’s deep connection to the institution has shaped his approach to design and education. Over the years, he has remained closely involved with MICA through mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement—serving as both a role model and resource for emerging designers.
With a strong foundation in branding, typography, and visual storytelling, Andrew brings over a decade of experience in graphic design, working across industries from fashion to nonprofit. His design work is known for its intentionality and cultural relevance, reflecting a deep understanding of how visuals shape perception and identity.
Dedicated to empowering young creatives, Andrew blends technical skill with a genuine passion for teaching. Whether leading workshops, coaching students, or collaborating with brands, he brings clarity, creativity, and care to every interaction. Andrew’s mission is simple: to help others see design not just as a skill, but as a powerful tool for communication and change.