Joshua Danrich’s journey started in 2020 when he was just 10 years old. He loved luxury sports cars and wanted such cars to always smell brand new.
With his mom at the kitchen table, they started sketching out a business plan. They were then referred to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s Microenterprise Program, where, in 2019, they became the program’s youngest clients ever, according to KSDK.
Their first meeting gave birth to “Mr. Fresh”. Today, Danrich, at 16, has a deal with Walmart that is putting his “Mr. Fresh” brand of natural, oil-based air fresheners in the retail giant’s automotive departments worldwide. His products are also available through Walmart’s online store.
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“This is history in real time and these are things that have never been done before,” Danrich said to Fox 2. “Less than 100 teens are in Walmart and I’m one of them! I went to Walmart’s open call with a dream: my product and a whole lot of passion. I believe in myself. I sealed the deal and now my products are in Walmart stores and they love it. It’s amazing and I’m inspiring the youth. That if I can do it, so can you!”
“I’m the only kid in the world with my own air fresheners in Walmart,” the St. Louis teen added.
Danrich was at Walmart’s Open Call in Bentonville, Arkansas, an annual event that lets entrepreneurs pitch their products for consideration on store shelves nationwide. Danrich pitched his idea to five different Walmart departments before sealing the deal.
“It’s made with 100 percent essential oils! 72 hours of freshness and it is a premium glass two-ounce spray bottle,” Danrich said of his product. “One or two sprays will last three to five days. And we have six different scents in Walmart. Yellow Rose, Black Gold, Cool Breeze, Jasmine, Baby Powder, and Vanilla. And they smell amazing!”
“Walmart saw the unique value of Mr. Fresh products, and we’re excited to share them with the world,” Danrich’s mother, Shay Danrich, said. “But just as important, this shows young people — especially young Black boys — that their ideas matter, and they can achieve things they never imagined.”
His partnership with Walmart will help the Feeding America campaign fight hunger. Danrich has this message for his peers: “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how big they seem.
“With hard work, faith and the right support, anything is possible. I’m incredibly grateful to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri for believing in me and helping Mr. Fresh become a global brand.”
