I’m Akash Patel, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from the suburbs of Chicago. I tried more than 18 businesses before UGC and TikTok Shop clicked. For the last year and a half, I’ve obsessed over product selection, seller psychology, editing, hooks, retention and what actually makes people buy.
One of my biggest motivations has always been my mom. Even when we didn’t always have a lot, she gave me everything she could. I also owe a lot to my friends and family. We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but the support, disagreements and challenges helped shape who I am. I want to build something big enough to give back to the people who gave to me.