I-Team: Kid Enterpreneur

Описание: by Dana Fowle
Aired March 2, 2016


Everybody likely knows that starting a business - whether you've done it or not - is fraught with challenges. Well, meet a 10-year-old who has opened a business, watched it struggle, and is now watching it thrive.

"When I was seven I went to a business camp."

How many children start a conversation this way? Well, Kathryn Miles Bauer does. She's been several times to Atlanta's "Break into Business" camps and workshops. This is where children ages nine to 16 learn just how to run a business.

And for this 10-year-old who owns Curious Kathryn, it's paying off.

She is a candle maker. And like many upstart businesses, Curious Kathryn's soy candles are made at home in the kitchen.

"This one we're going to use today is peach nectar, but we call it Hotlanta," she said.

But her idea got its steam back when this then-seven-year-old learned at business camp just how to make it happen. Monica Lage is the executive director of "Break Into Business."

It takes out the intimidation factor of starting a business, making a website, pitching to a bunch of investors. Our 10 and 11 years old are doing that now. Then when you get to that situation down the road it'll be a breeze to them."

The program sponsors "The Final Pitch" a place for these young people to pitch their business ideas to real investors. Kathryn got in there and did it. And won. Which is really cool unless you're her mother who worries about her 10-year-old running a business while going to school.

"Someone asked her recently what's the biggest thing you're having to deal with and she said having to balance work and school," said Celeste Bauer.

So far so good. "Curious Kathryn" soy candles are sold online...

Kathryn very proudly told me, "I've actually already gotten somebody from Switzerland who ordered candles, so that's pretty cool."

And they're popping up now at boutique retailers. So write this name down - Kathryn Miles Bauer - because we may be working for this young lady one day.

"I learn to keep going and to never give up, to be persistent."

Persistence is key. Kathryn's first time out with her homemade candles was to an ice cream parade. It was hot and she said the candles melted. She didn't quit. She's still at it and is lined up to be in four retail shops now. Check out her website and learn more about "Break Into Business" summer camps.