Teen entrepreneur's slime business goes viral, raises school trip funds

Lexi Long launched Slime & Squish on October 1 with a straightforward goal: earning money for a school excursion to Washington, DC. The venture proved far more successful than anticipated, with Long achieving her fundraising target in just nine days and generating over eight million online views within a month of launch.

The young entrepreneur's product line of handmade slime and squishy toys resonated strongly with audiences across social media platforms. Her business account accumulated more than 30,000 followers, establishing a substantial customer base that extended beyond online channels.

Long's initial online success translated into real-world commercial opportunities. She began selling her products at local events and secured placement in brick-and-mortar retail locations, expanding her distribution beyond digital sales.

The case illustrates the potential for young entrepreneurs to leverage social media for both fundraising and business development. Long's ability to quickly identify market demand and scale her operations from a bedroom project to a multi-channel retail presence demonstrates the accessibility of e-commerce and social media marketing for a new generation of business owners.