Pleasure Island Paradise is a local student-owned business on the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, AL. We produce 100% natural products to make you feel like you are on the island no matter your latitude. Ever since Braswell McMeans was young he knew he wanted to be an Entrepreneur, but it wasn't until recently that he was able to make his dream a reality. Braswell started his business at 12, in 7th grade, through the Foley Young Entrepreneurs Academy. After graduating from YEA and securing $1,250 in startup funds, he went on to take first place in the University of South Alabama Coastal Ideas Challenge, securing an additional $3,500 in funding for his business. During the summer of 2015 he mentored students at the Alabama School of Math and Science “Shark Tank” class and ended the year strong by meeting his first year goal of selling over $15,000 in product. During 2016, he continued to grow his business, mentor students in the YEA program and successfully fund a Kickstarter campaign raising $7,000 in 30 days for an 8th grade project to benefit his community. Click here to learn about the Community Turtle Kickstarter campaign. Braswell was asked to be a mentor at Google Start-up Mobile helping adults with their pitch and presentations. He received the Merit Award Ribbon at the 2016 & 2018 Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores and was featured in the Mobile Press Register and Business Quarterly Magazine. 2017 was a great year for growth. He participated in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) in school and took 1st place in Baldwin County in the sales presentation category. In 2019 Pleasure Island Paradise added a third retail location. He was in the Junior Leadership Program through the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and graduated from Gulf Shores High School in 2020. 2020 brought a year of uncertainty for all. With all of the local events canceled, growth was not an option. However, a 4th retail location was added and a private label with Saltwater heALs was added. Braswell started college at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and is currently majoring in Management Information Systems through the college of business. In Braswell's spare time while not in school he enjoys 3D printing, aerial drone photography, video production, and hanging out with his friends and family.