KONG Co-Founder Jimmy Ayash Awarded Alix Earle Scholarship for Entrepreneurship at the University of Miami

University of Miami student and entrepreneur Jimmy Ayash, co-founder of sustainable hygiene brand KONG, has been recognized with the prestigious Alix Earle Scholarship—an award that celebrates innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive among Miami Herbert Business School students.

The scholarship, created in 2023 by UM alumna and social media figure Alix Earle, provides financial support to juniors and seniors who demonstrate not only strong academic potential but also the kind of entrepreneurial vision that can make an impact beyond the classroom. Applicants submit a résumé and a personal video presentation, designed to showcase both their business ambitions and their personality.

For Ayash, the recognition represents a milestone in a journey that began with a simple but powerful idea: transforming one of life’s most basic necessities into a product that champions sustainability. With KONG, Ayash and his team introduced bamboo toilet paper—a chemical-free, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper products that often contain harmful additives like chlorine, BPA, and PFAS.

“We wanted to build something that wasn’t just another product on a shelf, but a movement,” Ayash said. “KONG is about proving that small, everyday choices—like the toilet paper you buy—can have a massive collective impact on health and the planet.”

That vision was captured in a moment earlier this semester when Ayash stood beside Earle herself, smiling for a photo while she held a roll of KONG Bamboo Toilet Paper. The picture symbolized the intersection of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and recognition—showing how a student-driven idea can grow into a brand with influence.

The Alix Earle Scholarship is designed to do more than ease the financial burden of college; it also aims to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs to think bigger, build boldly, and stay true to their values. For past recipients, Earle’s mentorship has been just as valuable as the scholarship itself. That support system resonates deeply with Ayash, who credits mentors and collaborators for helping bring KONG from concept to reality.

Winning the award underscores both Ayash’s personal achievements and the broader mission of KONG. It validates the work of college students determined to innovate in industries that have long gone unquestioned, while highlighting how entrepreneurship can align with sustainability and social responsibility.

For KONG, the recognition also comes at a pivotal time. The company has been expanding its product line beyond toilet paper into natural soaps, deodorants, and skincare, all while staying rooted in its mission of combining strength, softness, and sustainability.

As Ayash reflected on the moment, the message was clear: entrepreneurship is not only about building a business—it’s about building a future. And with the support of the Alix Earle Scholarship, that future feels a little brighter for both him and the vision of KONG.