Irmo High School International School for the Arts senior Meredith Joyner was recently named the 2021 South Carolina Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the South Carolina Council on Economic Education (SC Economics).
“Being named the 2021 South Carolina Young Entrepreneur of the Year is a great honor and blessing,” Joyner said. “I have worked so hard and have been fortunate to have met so many supportive people along the way. Receiving this award feels like a full circle or an “I did it” kind of moment because I have put so much of my heart into this business of mine.”
Joyner is the founder and owner of Meredith Joyner Photography where she focuses on photographing candid lifestyle photos, as well as senior portraits, couples, and engaged couples, and various opportunities that present themselves.
“I have always loved photography but did not actually start taking it seriously until I began my business in March 2020,” Joyner said. “Due to the unknowns of COVID, at that time, creating my own photography business gave me something to occupy my time with a goal to work towards. I have always been obsessed with photographers on social media, never thinking I could succeed on my own, until I decided to do it and just hit the ground running. I hope to continue photography for the rest of my life because it is such a fulfilling passion that does not feel like a job.”
Each year, SC Economics recognizes five elementary, middle or high school students who demonstrate a keen entrepreneurial spirit. These young people have met the challenge of starting their own businesses, understand the costs and benefits of working for themselves, and are willing to share their experiences with their peers.
“Meredith is a star student in our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme,” Irmo High School principal Dr. Robin Hardy said. “Beyond her academic prowess and leadership as a young entrepreneur, Meredith recognizes a global mindset and perspective that generates creativity, activity, and service. She has been a tremendous advocate and ambassador for our school, serving as our 2019 Miss Yellow Jacket. I am so proud of her and am excited about her future.”
The South Carolina Young Entrepreneur Award was established in 2004 by SC Economics as a way to recognize outstanding elementary, middle, or high school students for their accomplishments in entrepreneurship. The award was created in support of South Carolina’s efforts for economic development: to raise the per capita income by nurturing innovation and collaboration to make the state more competitive in the knowledge-based economy.
