Apple Valley Teen Wants to Empower Minnesota Youth to Build Their Futures Following the Success of New Clothing Brand

Sep 19

Pictured: Brody Tschida - Owner of Urban Elite

APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - In a town known more for its serene landscapes and quiet charm than bustling business, 16-year-old Brody is breaking the mold. Five months ago, this ambitious teenager launched Urban Elite, a clothing brand rooted in a mission far deeper than fashion: to inspire the youth of Minnesota to start building their futures today.

Urban Elite is founded on the belief that young people can and should start building their futures now. Brody, who has seen many of his peers dream big but hesitate to take action, wants to show them that success is within reach. "Seeing teens around me having these dreams and ambitions but never acting on them started to upset me," he says. "I wanted to show them they can do it too. If I can do it, why can’t you?"

At the core of Urban Elite is a powerful message about mindset. Brody believes cultivating a positive mindset is the first step in creating a brand—or achieving any goal. "A big part of our brand is Mindset. If you can change your mindset and start thinking more positively, you’ll be able to run a business a lot better," he explains. "Many people are scared to start because of the fear of failure. But in this generation, there are so many people who don’t even try because they’re too scared of failure. That means fewer people are trying, and it’s so much easier to achieve your goals."

For Brody, success began with simply starting. "It’s really hard to get started, but once you just get started, everything will come together," he advises. This "just start" attitude has been central to Urban Elite's early success.

Urban Elite is built on three core steps to success:

Success: What the brand defines as success is about setting and achieving goals. Brody emphasizes that finding one’s purpose is crucial. “If when you think about it, it doesn’t excite you like a kid on Christmas, then chances are it’s not your purpose,” he advises.
Mindset: A strong mindset is essential for overcoming challenges. Brody believes that mental resilience is just as important as physical strength. “Once your mind realizes you won’t give up, nothing can stop you,” he says.
Optimism: Inspired by stoicism, Brody encourages young people to focus on what they can control, especially their reactions to life’s setbacks. “Controlling your emotions is a huge skill most people lack. If you can master it, you’ll be ahead of the rest.”

Through Urban Elite, Brody is not just selling clothes; he’s spreading a message of hope, perseverance, and the belief that every day is a new opportunity for success. His journey is a testament to the power of youth and determination, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.