Meet the Teacher: Jeremy Higley

[Young Entrepreneurs—Summer Camp & SEMESTER Classes]

Turning Ideas Into Something Real

My name is Jeremy Higley, co-owner/co-founder of The HeART Collective, and I teach the Young Entrepreneurs Summer Camp, along with classes in the Fall and Winter here at The HeART Collective.

While I haven’t spent years in a traditional classroom, I bring something a little different to the table—I’m a lifelong entrepreneur! I grew up in a family where side businesses were just part of everyday life. When I was 8 years old, my mom wrote a book about essential oils that grew into a full business and shaped our family’s path in alternative healthcare. That experience gave me an early, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build something from the ground up.

Since then, my wife Katie and I have started and operated more than a dozen businesses together. Along the way, I discovered something I didn’t expect—I love teaching. Especially when it comes to helping young people see what’s possible and giving them the tools and confidence to create something of their own.

Watching the “Lightbulb” Moment

What I love most about teaching entrepreneurship is seeing that moment when it clicks for a student.

It usually starts with, “I don’t have any ideas.”

And then suddenly… they do.

There’s something powerful about watching a student realize, “Wait… I could actually do this.” When they begin to connect their interests, skills, and ideas to real-world opportunities, their confidence starts to grow. They begin to see that they have something valuable to offer.

One of my favorite moments is when a student takes something we talk about in class and turns it into a real idea—or even starts making money from it. At that point, it’s no longer just an assignment. It becomes something they own.

Learning by Doing (and Failing)

If there’s one thing I want every student to know before they walk into my class, it’s this:

You don’t need to have a perfect idea to get started.

Some of the best ideas come during the process—not before it. My class isn’t about sitting and listening. It’s hands-on, interactive, and built around trying things out in real time. Students will build, test, and create.

And yes—some ideas might fail.

But that’s not a bad thing. That’s how real entrepreneurs learn.

I’d describe my teaching style in three words: Fun, Hands-On, and Empowering. My goal is to create an environment where students feel safe to experiment, take risks, and discover what they’re capable of.

Creativity That Creates Impact

Outside of teaching, I’m always building something. A lot of my creativity shows up through entrepreneurship—launching new ideas, developing brands, and bringing projects to life. I love the intersection of creativity and business—where ideas don’t just exist, but actually make an impact.

Because at the end of the day, I believe creativity is the ability to turn ideas into something real that can impact others.

A Message to Students (and Parents)

If you’re feeling a little nervous about signing up for this class—you’re exactly who it’s for.

You don’t need experience or a polished idea. You just need to be willing to try.

This is a supportive, low-pressure environment where students learn by doing. By the end, they’ll walk away with more confidence, new skills, and a clearer sense of what they’re capable of.

When they realize they can take an idea and turn it into something real, it changes how they think—not just about business, but about their own potential. That shift is powerful, and it stays with them long after the class ends.

If a student is even a little curious, I’d encourage them to give it a try.

You never know where one idea can lead.

Check out classes offered by Jeremy at The HeART Collective and give your child the chance to build confidence, think creatively, and bring their ideas to life.