TVS Student Entrepreneurs Take the Stage

At The Village School of Naples, learning extends far beyond the classroom—and recently, three of our senior student entrepreneurs brought that learning to life for our Middle School students.

Seniors Cruze Craig (attending Florida Atlantic University in the fall), Isabella Gatto (attending Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall), and Jack Johnson (attending University of Florida in the fall) are participants in the SWFL CEO Program—an immersive, real-world entrepreneurship experience that challenges students to develop, launch, and pitch their own businesses.

Each student brought a unique vision to life through their own brand. Cruze founded Oruma, a jewelry line centered around magnetic clasp technology, making accessories more functional and accessible without sacrificing style. Isabella launched SEIGN, a Christian-inspired clothing brand that reflects her faith through thoughtful, purpose-driven design. Jack created Snap, an innovative desk organization system designed to bring efficiency and simplicity to everyday workspaces.

Cruze’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a strong foundation in leadership, creativity, and real-world experience. In addition to building Oruma, he also operates a mobile car wash business—demonstrating both initiative and versatility as a young entrepreneur. Through the SWFL CEO Program and hands-on experiences like RevsEd, Cruze continues to explore what it means to build, create, and lead with intention. His professional experiences include internships with The Skotak Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate and Adelyn Charles Interiors, where he contributed to client meetings, packaging design, and content creation—gaining valuable insight into how businesses operate across industries. Academically, Cruze maintains a 4.3 GPA, serves as President of the National Honor Society, and participates in dual enrollment at Florida Gulf Coast University. His interests in fashion, cars, and personal development, paired with his belief in the power of relationships, continue to shape his forward-thinking approach to business.

Isabella’s journey as an entrepreneur is equally compelling and rooted in leadership and global perspective. An accomplished student leader, she is a member of the National Honor Society, a graduate of the Soaring Eagles Youth Leadership Police Academy, and an artist whose work has been displayed at The Baker Museum. Her academic and creative pursuits have taken her beyond the classroom—including opportunities to present her work on artificial intelligence at the Harvard Summer Institute and at an international conference in Abu Dhabi. Through her experiences, including time spent abroad in Africa, Isabella has developed a heart for service and a passion for using business as a platform for impact. In addition to her clothing brand, she has explored launching a nonprofit focused on providing free tutoring for students—demonstrating both entrepreneurial drive and a commitment to helping others.

Jack’s story reflects a strong blend of curiosity, leadership, and a passion for engineering. Having lived in Naples for most of his life, Jack discovered his interest in building and design at an early age. His experiences traveling internationally sparked a broader curiosity about cultures, history, and global perspectives—interests he has continued to develop through coursework in robotics, European history, and computer science. At TVS, Jack serves as Vice President of Student Government and is actively involved in both swimming and track & field, where he takes on leadership roles. Through the SWFL CEO Program, he is exploring how to apply his interests in engineering and design to real-world opportunities, using entrepreneurship as a pathway to problem-solving and innovation.

They recently presented their ventures to our entire Middle School, offering a firsthand look at the type of innovative, future-focused opportunities available in our Upper School and throughout Southwest Florida. From concept to execution, they shared not only their business ideas, but also the process behind them—market research, problem-solving, branding, and confidently pitching their ideas.

The SWFL CEO Program provides students with an extraordinary platform to grow as entrepreneurs, including opportunities to pitch their businesses in professional settings like the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship. In fact, Cruze Craig was recently recognized as a co-first place winner at the SWFL CEO Pitch Event, earning seed funding to take his business to the next level—a testament to the strength of both our students and the program.

Beyond the competition, the program offers students the opportunity to earn dual enrollment college credit through FGCU, giving them a valuable head start as they prepare for life after graduation.

Our community will have the opportunity to see these young entrepreneurs in action at the upcoming SWFL CEO Trade Show on April 11 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Coastland Mall, where students will showcase and sell their products.

Most importantly, these experiences are shaping confident, creative thinkers who are ready to lead. As our Middle School students watched, they saw what is possible—how ideas can grow into real ventures, and how their own journeys as innovators and problem-solvers are just beginning.

At TVS, we don’t just prepare students for the future—we connect them to it, empowering them with real-world experiences, meaningful opportunities, and the relationships that help turn their passions into purpose.