Child Entrepreneur is not a new concept. When you really think about it, kids were always entrepreneurial. I remember my brother would wait for snow days. He would wait for that moment when the snow stopped falling to put on his winter gear and grab a shovel before heading out. Most kids would be outside building snowmen, forts or having snowball fights but my brother kept his eye on the prize. Being the youngest, I tagged along as he asked our neighbors if he could shovel their walkway and driveways in exchange for a few dollars. Majority of the time adults were more than happy to put down their shovels and let us take over. It was a good business but snow doesn’t last forever.
In the summer there was the collecting of soda bottles and beer 
cans, car washes and mowing of lawns. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go lawn mowing with my brother because I was severely allergic to fresh cut grass. I helped my cousins sell limber and candy from the first floor window of their house to kids just getting out of school and then summer camp. If you don’t know what limber is – it is the Puerto Rican version of a lemonade stand except frozen and more variety like coconut, fruit punch, grape and of course, lemonade.
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The Child Entrepreneur Today
Today kids have it a little easier with the advancement of technology and social media platforms. Whereas in the 80’s kids had to go door-to-door, kids today don’t even have to leave their room. It is all at the tip of their finger tips and the possibilities are endless. I was surprised to hear of some of the most successful businesses started by kids. There was a lot but here’s my top 5:
- Bow ties – Mo’s Bows
- Socks – Are You Kidding socks
- Dentists friendly lollipops – Zollipops
- Ice Tea – Me & the Bees Lemonade
- jewelry – Oragami Owl
10 Ways To Foster The Mindset Of A Child Entrepreneur
If you have a child who wants to start a business and don’t know where to start just remember – everything is figure-out-able. There are several things you can do to nurture your child’s inner entrepreneur.
- Make them figure it out – Let them struggle through ideas because kids are actually very creative problem solvers when they have no other option except to figure it out.
- Support Their Pursuit and Encourage them to Invest – Support their pursuit but guide them to invest in something that will help them to live better and more comfortable in the future.
- Teach Them About Money – Having money is good but making it grow is even better.
- Encourage Them To Read – Books are still a good resource for information and guidance
- Make Them Part Of The Decision Process – Let them think through decisions and be part of the decision making process.
- Don’t Hand Life To Them – When I was in college I remember the kids who took their education for granted were usually those who had their tuition paid for 100% by their parents. Since my parents did not have much disposable income growing up, I had to work 2 jobs to pay for college. In fact, I had to postpone my first year because I didn’t get enough financial aid to make up the difference that I was short. But it made me value my education that much more. It is the same with owning and running a business.
- Demonstrate gratitude and abundance – You may not be successful at everything at first try but there will always be silver linings and opportunities if you look for them. Opportunities are not scarce.
- Do Good Work – What ever you do – do it good because your work speaks volumes.
- Help Them Pursue Their Profitable Passion – Not all passions are going to be profitable. Those passions bring happiness and shouldn’t be discarded. But the passions you want to pursue are those that will be profitable.
- Instill A Sense Of Pride And Hard Work!
Olivia’s Business
My daughter wanted to buy her own IPad and asked us to start a business. I admire a girl with a vision and cause and so I entertained her. I’m not sure if she will stick to her goal (she is only 11 years old) but as long as she has a desire, I will support her willingness to try, to adapt and to be persistent. As we speak she is sewing scruchies that she learned how to make by looking on YouTube. She is currently making scrunchie and bracelet sets and desires to expand to make themed packs that inspire girls to be their own kind of beautiful. You can check out her business on Instagram Little Bit Luxe By Liv You can support this child entrepreneur by following her page or by liking a few images. I’m sure she would appreciate it.
