WOODSTOCK, GA — Following an impressive season of entrepreneurial growth, hands-on business development, and community engagement, ten student-run businesses participating in FLEX Cherokee have completed Round 2 of the competition. After careful evaluation, three standout teams have advanced to the final pitch competition, taking place on March 19, 2026. The community winner will go on to represent Cherokee County at the Georgia FLEX State Competition, joining student entrepreneurs from across Georgia.

FLEX Cherokee’s Top 3 Student Businesses are:

  • Aspire Great Media | Annabell Meyer (River Ridge High School)Aspire Great Media helps local restaurants, entertainment companies, and small businesses grow through creative social media management, high-quality content, and SEO support. The company’s mission is to boost visibility, attract customers, and strengthen brands with affordable, professional marketing services.
  • Vision Studioz | Javen Simmons (Etowah High School)Vision Studioz is a streetwear brand creating a community around fashion inspired by the 1980s to modern high-end styles, using storytelling and cinematography to generate interest in product releases—not just selling a product, but a feeling of confidence.
  • WeighTex Clothing | Carter Hutchinson (Creekview High School) and Gavin Letendre (Etowah High School)WeighTex is a two-owner company offering innovative multifunctional compression-weighted apparel that combines athletic performance, comfort, and mental wellness. The discreet, breathable garments provide resistance for fitness, calming pressure for mental wellness, and weight for improved bone strength.

    “I feel so excited and honored,” said Javen Simmons, Founder/Owner of Vision Studioz. “I can’t wait to improve and perform again.”

While only three teams will continue to the final round, every student business in Round 2 demonstrated dedication, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. We encourage the community to continue supporting the seven businesses that will not advance, as they remain active and serving customers in our community:

  • By Faith | Jake Cerna (Woodstock High School): a streetwear-inspired clothing brand featuring messages of faith.
  • Sarah J. Events | Sarah Robles (Etowah High School): an event planning business focused on personalized service and thoughtful design.
  • CMR Captures | Cole Abney, Maddox Grummer, and Ryan Wexler (Sequoyah High School): a sports and portrait photography business for athletes, parents, coaches, boosters, and small businesses.
  • Gardn | K. Curtis Smith (Creekview High School): an affordable, all-in-one eco-electronic sensor hub to help you grow healthy plants.
  • Handy Hero | Abhi Pulleti (Sequoyah High School): affordable, on-demand home repair and maintenance.
  • TechEase | Arcadian Freund (Etowah High School): tech support for customers aged 55+, with local in-person and phone assistance.
  • Walletwise Automotive | Samuel Mullins (Etowah High School): honest, affordable mobile auto service.

These students built real businesses that serve real customers – and their continued success depends on ongoing community engagement. All ten student businesses pitched in front of a panel of judges during Round 2 and received live feedback.

“It was really cool to meet the judges and a great experience,” said Carter Hutchinson, Co-Founder/Owner of WeighTex Clothing. “We especially appreciated their advice to get our patent as soon as possible, so we’re going to work on that.”

FLEXpo Connects Students with Local Business Leaders
One week prior to the private Round 2 pitch evaluations, all ten participating student businesses took part in the FLEXpo, hosted in collaboration with the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. Students set up booths ahead of the Chamber’s monthly meeting, showcased their products and services, and engaged directly with area business professionals.

The FLEXpo experience reflects the broader goals of the Georgia FLEX program, which emphasizes real-world engagement, mentorship from industry leaders, and opportunities for students to gain practical insights from the local business community. Georgia FLEX statewide leadership has noted that participating communities play a vital role in cultivating future entrepreneurial talent and strengthening local workforce pipelines.

Looking Ahead to the Final Round
FLEX Cherokee Day will take place on March 19, 2026, at the Historic Canton Theatre and will feature live pitches from the top three student businesses. First place will win $5,000 in seed money, second place will receive $2,500 and third place will receive $1,250.

The winning team will earn the title of the FLEX Cherokee Winner and advance to the statewide competition, where they have the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in seed money.

The event is open to the public, and we invite families, business leaders, educators, and supporters to join us in celebrating these talented young entrepreneurs.
Event details, including venue and time, will be announced soon on our social media @CherokeeOED.
 
About Georgia FLEX
The Georgia FLEX (Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneurial Experience) program is a statewide initiative that empowers high school students to launch real businesses, earn real revenue, and develop practical leadership and workforce skills through hands-on learning and mentorship.

FLEX Cherokee was launched this school year through a partnership of the Cherokee County School District and the Cherokee Office of Economic Development – in addition to the support of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, our community, volunteer mentors, patrons and more.
Learn more at cherokeega.org/FLEX.

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About the Cherokee Office of Economic Development
COED is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment, and industry retention and expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org.