by Tammy Johnson
tjohnson@cherryroad.com
Three McPherson tween girls are taking the opportunity to learn about running a business and saving to buy things they want this summer. The girls will be found throughout the summer on the northwest corner of Oak and Woodside streets selling various items.
The venture began when Akira wanted to go to McPherson Water Park with her own spending money. With the permission of her grandmother, Akira set up a table and started selling handmade bracelets. She had a great turnout and made $89 on the first day. That success inspired her sister Aliah, and her friend Aislin to try it out too. Both Akira and Aliah credit their mom, Jessica, with inspiring them to work hard and save money.
Akira loves making rubber band bracelets and wants to share them with others. Aislin offers baked goods and blind bags. Blind bags are grab bags with items children might enjoy. Her goal is to earn enough money to create bags for teens and adults as well as buying art supplies to create and sell artwork. Aliah sells refreshing drinks to hot people.
“It’s summertime and it’s hot so people get thirsty and why not have a station to where people can just get a drink when they need,” she said.
All three girls are enjoying meeting people and seeing their reaction to what they’re doing.
“My favorite thing about doing this is seeing people smile when they buy one of my bracelets,” Akira said.
The girls all credit their families with encouraging them to succeed.
“My mom tells me I can do anything I put my mind to,” Akira said. “I like to turn ideas into things so that helps me go on.”
All three girls share the same goals for the summer, to have fun, make memories, and make a little spending money. They want people to know that they are dedicated to learning how to run a business and learn responsibility. Those skills will help them achieve their goals of becoming a hair stylist and nail tech for Akira while Aliah and Aislin both want to be veterinarians when they grow up.
If you’d like to help support their dreams, keep an eye out for these determined kids and stop by.
