Teen Founder Launches Outdoor Brand to Push Kids Off Their Phones

16‑year‑old Antonio Vezina is turning a childhood phrase into a movement that urges teens to swap screen time for real‑world adventures. He recently launched the brand Beyond the Trails, an outdoor lifestyle line aimed at encouraging younger generations to step outside. The initiative began in Westlake High School, where Vezina noticed a decline in outdoor activity among his peers. “Just go outside, be yourself,” Vezina said. “That’s really what life is.”

The Name and the Mission

The brand’s name comes from a phrase Vezina used often as a child: “Let’s go beyond the trails.” He used it to tell his family that he was ready to explore nature. The phrase became the motto of his mission to inspire teens. Vezina explained that phones had become a big problem in schools and the community. “The amount of time I spent outside started to drop, and video games took over. I wanted to change that.”

Products That Speak Outdoors

Beyond the Trails sells 100% custom cotton shirts and hats designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The apparel features imagery of lakes, trails, and waterfalls, reflecting the brand’s inspiration. Vezina’s goal is to send a clear message: adventure, dirt, sweat, and less scrolling. He promotes the gear through Instagram and a self‑built website. The brand’s visual identity is all about the outdoors, creating a cohesive look for fans.

Marketing From a Teen’s Desk

Vezina built the website himself, learning web design and social‑media management while still balancing school work. He posts regularly on Instagram, sharing photos of his friends wearing the gear. His parents and friends help organize photo shoots and spread the word locally. His mom handles photo shoots, his dad promotes the brand in the community, and his friends model the apparel around their high school.

The Business Hurdle

Starting a business was not easy for the 16‑year‑old. He had to juggle school, football, and teenage life chaos. The toughest obstacle was finding a manufacturer willing to work with a teenager. Vezina reached out to dozens of companies, eventually finding one in Florida that agreed to take a chance on him. He still feels there are areas where he needs help.

Community Engagement

Beyond selling apparel, Vezina focuses on creating experiences. This year he hosted a fishing camp for 30 to 40 kids, giving away free gear and promoting outdoor fun. He hopes to organize more events, such as hiking or basketball camps, to keep kids active while enjoying nature. The camps serve as a practical extension of his brand’s message.

Reinvestment and Expansion Plans

For now, every dollar earned goes back into the business. Vezina dreams of expanding nationwide, offering free shipping, and eventually manufacturing shirts locally. He plans to keep growing the brand through college and beyond. The vision is to make outdoor adventures accessible to all teens.

Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

When asked about advice for other young entrepreneurs, Vezina said, “Start online first.” He added, “Make your website, stay consistent on social media, and never stop posting.” His emphasis is on building a strong online presence before expanding offline.

How to Get Involved

For more information or to shop Beyond the Trails, visit www.beyondthetrails.co or follow the brand on Instagram. The website offers a full catalog of shirts and hats, while the Instagram page showcases community events and product photos.

Key Takeaways

• Antonio Vezina, a 16‑year‑old Westlake High student, launched Beyond the Trails to encourage teens to leave phones behind.
• The brand sells custom cotton apparel and promotes outdoor adventures through social media and community events.
• Vezina plans to reinvest profits, expand nationwide, and continue creating experiential events for kids.

Beyond the Trails is a testament to how a single teen can turn a childhood phrase into a movement that inspires a generation to explore the world beyond their screens.