Introduction

Gen Z is redefining entrepreneurship by turning viral trends into thriving businesses. In the past, launching a startup meant writing business plans, applying for loans, and securing office space. But today, young founders are building six-figure businesses from their bedrooms—using TikTok, e-commerce platforms, and digital tools to scale at an unprecedented pace.

Social media has created instant exposure for brands, allowing anyone with a creative idea to monetize their skills, products, or services. The days of needing traditional venture capital to launch a business are over. Now, all it takes is a trending video, an innovative product, or a valuable service to build a brand that scales.

However, turning a viral trend into a real business requires more than just social media views. Many Gen Z entrepreneurs struggle with scaling operations, managing finances, and legally protecting their brand. Without proper business registration, tax planning, and compliance, even the most successful online businesses can run into issues.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Gen Z entrepreneurs are transforming trends into legitimate companies, showcase real success stories, and provide a step-by-step roadmap to business registration and scalability.

How Gen Z is Turning Viral Trends into Thriving Businesses

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z grew up digitally connected, making them tech-savvy, trend-aware, and highly adaptable. They understand consumer behavior, social media algorithms, and digital marketing strategies—giving them an edge in today’s fast-paced business world.

Instead of investing in expensive advertising campaigns, Gen Z founders leverage organic social media reach, build brands on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and monetize their creativity through e-commerce, AI tools, and influencer marketing.

Here’s how some real-life Gen Z entrepreneurs turned their ideas into profitable businesses.

1. Mitchell Halliday: From Makeup Artist to Millionaire Entrepreneur

Mitchell Halliday, a 26-year-old makeup artist from Bolton, UK, launched Made by Mitchell, a cosmetics brand, in October 2020. At first, his brand struggled with visibility, but everything changed when he started using TikTok to promote his products.

By leveraging TikTok Shop, he was able to sell out product lines within hours. His unique approach to content-driven selling and engaging product launches led him to become the first person to make $1 million in 24 hours on TikTok Shop.

Lessons from Mitchell’s Success

• Embrace social media commerce. TikTok Shop allowed his brand to thrive through real-time engagement.
• Use content to drive sales. He didn’t just advertise—he showed tutorials, customer testimonials, and live demonstrations.
• Act fast on trends. Mitchell capitalized on beauty trends and viral moments to push his brand forward.

Challenges & How He Overcame Them

Scaling logistics. His rapid success meant he needed a structured supply chain and fulfillment strategy.
Handling finances. Without proper business registration and financial planning, rapid growth can become unmanageable.

By registering his business, optimizing his payment systems, and hiring a financial team, he was able to scale Made by Mitchell into a multi-million-dollar beauty brand.

2. Tom Oswald: How a TikTok Star Opened a Café at 19

Tom Oswald, an Australian entrepreneur, built a following on TikTok before launching his business, Homeboy Café. His strategy was simple: document the journey of launching a café from scratch, building anticipation before the store even opened.

His TikTok videos about business planning, menu development, and day-to-day operations gained millions of views, turning curious followers into loyal customers. Today, Homeboy Café is a thriving coffee shop in Adelaide, Australia, drawing students and professionals alike.

Key Takeaways from Tom’s Journey

• Share your business journey. People love behind-the-scenes content—it builds trust and community.
• Use social media to drive foot traffic. His TikTok followers became his first customers, creating instant demand.
• Leverage personal branding. Tom made his café a lifestyle brand, not just a coffee shop.

Challenges & How He Overcame Them

Managing business finances. He had to learn about cash flow, supplier negotiations, and rental agreements.
Ensuring regulatory compliance. Opening a physical business required food and safety licenses, business registration, and tax compliance.

By registering Homeboy Café as a legal entity, hiring an accountant, and streamlining operations, Tom turned a viral idea into a profitable, long-term business.

3. Caelan McDonald: Building a $94,000+ Sticker Business at 17

Seventeen-year-old Caelan McDonald from the UK started a sticker business using a Cricut machine he received as a Christmas gift. What began as a small hobby quickly grew into a successful personalized sticker and tumbler brand, generating over $94,000 in sales.

Caelan leveraged Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and TikTok to showcase his designs, eventually scaling into customized products for events, businesses, and influencers.

Lessons from Caelan’s Success

• Start small and reinvest profits. He scaled slowly, ensuring sustainable growth without debt.
• Use multiple platforms. Etsy, TikTok, and Facebook helped him reach different audiences.
• Personalization is powerful. Custom products increase customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

Challenges & How He Overcame Them

Handling demand. As orders grew, he invested in industrial printers and hired a small team.
Legal and tax considerations. Initially, he ran the business without registration, which created issues when expanding.

By registering his business, opening a corporate bank account, and streamlining production, he secured long-term business stability.

How to Register Your Business & Scale Like a Pro

Turning a viral trend into a legitimate business requires more than just great content—it requires structure, financial planning, and legal protection.

Step 1: Choose the Right Business Structure

• Sole Proprietorship: Easy to set up but comes with personal liability risks.
• Private Limited (Pte Ltd): Offers limited liability, better tax benefits, and credibility with investors.

If you plan to scale, hire employees, or secure funding, a Pte Ltd company is the best option.

Step 2: Register Your Business with ACRA

All businesses in Singapore must be registered with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) via BizFile+.

Requirements

• Unique business name (must be approved).
• Local registered address (P.O. boxes not allowed).
• At least one local director (Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder).
• Company secretary (must be appointed within six months).

A Pte Ltd company registration costs S$315 and is typically approved within 24 hours.

Step 3: Open a Business Bank Account

To separate personal and business finances, you’ll need a corporate bank account with banks like DBS, OCBC, or fintech options like Aspire.

Step 4: Get Investor-Ready

• If you plan to raise venture capital or secure startup funding, you’ll need:
• A legally registered Pte Ltd company.
• A clear business model and financial projections.
• Proper accounting and compliance records.

Investors take startups more seriously when they are properly structured and legally compliant.

Take Your Viral Idea to the Next Level

Gen Z is proving that you don’t need massive startup capital to build a successful business. Whether it’s e-commerce, digital tools, or personal branding, today’s young founders are turning ideas into multimillion-dollar ventures.

However, long-term success requires more than just social media hype. Registering your business, structuring finances, and ensuring legal compliance will set you up for sustainable growth.