Jadon Chou
Grade: 8
Location: Dallas, Texas
Business Name:
Kaeda
Revenue: $1,800
At just 13 years old, Jadon Chou is already building a successful business and making his mark as a young entrepreneur. As the founder of Kaeda, Jadon creates custom mechanical keyboards for people who want unique, high-quality products but don’t have the time or know-how to build them themselves. His story is a testament to passion, creativity, and perseverance, which is why we are thrilled to award him a grant through the Formidable Fellowship.
The Birth of a Business
Jadon’s entrepreneurial journey began with his love for mechanical keyboards. It all started when friends asked him for advice on creating custom keyboards to match their setups. Realizing there was a demand for his hobby, Jadon turned his passion into a business.
Kaeda offers a full range of services, from assembling smaller 60% keyboards to full-size 100% layouts. Customers are drawn to his attention to detail, the aesthetics he creates, and his ability to tailor keyboards to their specific needs. In just a short time, Jadon has built a solid reputation and a growing customer base.
How It Works
Jadon charges a service fee of $30 to $60, depending on the size and complexity of the keyboard. On average, it takes him just 30 minutes to assemble a keyboard—a skill he honed over time, reducing what used to take two hours. His business has already generated $1,800 in revenue, with $600 in profit.
Jadon credits his initial customers to word of mouth. Friends who loved their keyboards spread the word to others, helping him build momentum. Now, he’s considering new marketing strategies, like creating a website and targeting small businesses with batch orders for their teams.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Starting a business at such a young age came with its challenges. Jadon’s first sale took several months, largely because he was still learning how to market effectively. However, he didn’t give up. “Even if the business didn’t work out, it was my hobby and my passion,” he says.
Jadon’s biggest lesson so far is knowing when to save and when to invest. During slow periods, he avoids buying excess inventory. But when business picks up, he reinvests in advertising and resources to scale up. This balance has helped him grow steadily and prepare for future opportunities.
Expanding His Horizons
With the $1,000 grant from the Formidable Fellowship, Jadon plans to launch a professional website and invest in advertising. “A website will showcase my services and pricing and make it easier for customers to find me,” he explains. He’s already built the site using Durable AI and is ready to take the next step by publishing it.
Jadon also dreams of expanding his business to serve customers beyond his local area. He envisions turning his one-person operation into an international brand, serving clients across the U.S. and even around the world.
What Drives Jadon?
Jadon’s inspiration comes from his family, who often talk about investing and money management. His curiosity and drive were further fueled by YouTubers like Taeha Types, Hipyo Tech, and Switch and Click, who taught him the intricacies of mechanical keyboards. He also admires brands like Osume, which grew into a major player in the keyboard market in just three years.
A Formidable Future
Jadon’s goal is to grow his business to $10,000 in revenue and eventually hire employees. He dreams of creating an international brand where anyone, anywhere, can order a custom keyboard from him. With his dedication, creativity, and the support of the Formidable Fellowship, there’s no doubt he will achieve great things.
We are proud to support Jadon Chou and look forward to seeing how he continues to innovate and inspire other young entrepreneurs!