A Passion To Help People and Create Tools To Improve Lives

From a young age, Maile McManis’ passion for helping people and creating tools to improve lives has driven her toward remarkable achievements in the business world. Her journey began in 6th grade when she founded Sewing With Smiles. This early venture was more than just a business; it was an experience that taught Maile valuable lessons about leadership, perseverance, and the importance of aligning business goals with community needs. She always found herself thinking of ways to support problems she heard about and loved that she could be part of the solution. These entrepreneurship ideals have helped her start and grow her businesses to a point where she’s helping her community.

At Northfield High School in Denver Colorado, Maile immersed herself in the Business Pathway and completed an extensive curriculum that included courses in Management, Entrepreneurship, Consumer Behavior, INCubatoredu Entrepreneurship (a “Shark Tank” for high school students), Finance/Ecommerce, IB Business Management, and Event Marketing/Communication. These academic experiences provided her with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices. They provided her with the skills needed to excel in various business environments. She was able to apply all of these lessons into continuing to operate one business and founding a second one.

Beyond The Classroom with DECA

Maile’s commitment to leadership and entrepreneurship was evident through her involvement in the business club, DECA.  In 10th and 11th grades she served as Vice-President.  In 2024 Maile became President of DECA for her senior year of high school. Through DECA, she developed critical business skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Leading her school’s DECA chapter allowed Maile to inspire and mentor her peers. She created a collaborative environment where innovative ideas could thrive and students could succeed.

Maile’s extracurricular involvement further enriched her business skills. Her participation in the Girls’ C.E.O. Connection™, the Northfield High’s Women in Business Club, Denver’s Participatory Budgeting Committee, and the Denver Mayor’s Youth Commission broadened her perspective on the role of business in society. These activities provided her with insights into the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and social responsibility in business. These are principles she is committed to upholding in her future endeavors. Additionally, she collaborated with young entrepreneurs to find ways their businesses could also uphold these lessons to make the community a better place.

Maile’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

Starting a business is a journey filled with challenges serving as an opportunity to learn and grow. To any young entrepreneur, Maile offers this advice:

• Embrace your passion and be fearless in pursuing your dreams.
• Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who believe in your vision.
• Don’t be afraid to take risks and innovate.
• Remain adaptable and open to feedback.
• Persistence is key—stay committed to your goals, and remember that setbacks are a natural part of the entrepreneurial process.
• Most importantly, align your business endeavors with your values and community needs, ensuring that your efforts make a positive impact.
• By staying true to yourself and your mission, you can create meaningful change and achieve success in the business world.

Maile believes in pushing through, even when things are tough. She holds a steadfast belief that everything will work out eventually. This mindset has been a cornerstone of her journey, driving her to overcome challenges and stay resilient in the face of adversity. Whether it was managing the early stages of Sewing With Smiles or navigating complex business courses and leadership roles, Maile’s perseverance fueled her success. Her optimism and determination are an inspiration to those around her. In addition, they reinforce her commitment to create positive change. Maile’s unwavering belief in the eventual success of her efforts underscores her dedication to making a lasting impact on her community and beyond. It’s why she encourages others to take on this adaptability and persistent mindset.

Looking ahead, Maile’s goal is to gain a deep understanding of various industries eventually leading major initiatives with a focus on sustainability and the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. Her dedication to ethical leadership and social impact aligns perfectly with her future aspirations. She is excited about the opportunities to further her journey in business management and social impact while supporting her community.