Teen gives up cricket dream to become business owner

Whether it’s competing at the highest levels of domestic cricket in Barbados, building his first computer at age 13, or launching his tech business at 16, Micaiah Bartlett gives it his all.

The 18-year-old founder and CEO of computer assembly and retail company Bartlett Tech has been a lover of the game of glorious uncertainties for years.

He played seven days a week during his adolescent years.

In 2019, Bartlett was included in a special campaign, #OneDay4Children, spearheaded by UNICEF and the International Cricket Council to use sports for positive development. Through the programme, he was able to meet former West Indies captain Jason Holder and other outstanding international players.

However, in 2020, during the monotony of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Bartlett found a new sense of purpose.

He started exploring his interest in building computers and tech devices. Within two months, he sold his first high-end computer system, and in December 2021, he launched a line of branded LED lights with one of Barbados’ leading hardware stores.

The 300 products sold out in less than 30 days.

“When I realised the lights were actually being used as Christmas gifts…that’s when I started to think I may be onto something,” Bartlett admitted.

Managing business with his studies was no easy feat, but from his early cricketing career, he learned how to balance a busy schedule.

“Cricket is a whole day sport and I practised from Monday to Friday and had games on Saturdays and Sundays, but I also had homework for Monday. So, I kind of had to figure out how to get it to work… I guess those skills from sports transferred over to the company,” he said.

Bartlett has given up on his childhood dream of pursuing a career in cricket, instead opting to throw all his energy behind the business. He is also determined to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

His parents, Ingrid and Cornelius Bartlett have been credited with playing a key role in his success by making sacrifices and going above and beyond to “tilt the odds” in his favour.

Bartlett’s advice to other young people is simple – hard work pays off.

“People keep asking me if they should start a business and if it’s hard. Yes, it’s hard, because anything worthwhile in life is,” he said. “My advice is go for it.”