They say it’s never too early to start a business. This past weekend, the youth in and around White House proved just that. 

On Saturday morning, a usually quiet parking lot next to the White House Chamber of Commerce was suddenly packed with children aged 5-16. Each child eagerly set up their colorful booths, adorned with hand-painted signs, eye-catching decorations, and a table of goodies.

These young entrepreneurs were ready to show off their talents. 

With freshly baked goods, homemade crafts, jewelry, dog treats, and more, there was a little something for everybody. It was a bustling scene demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in this close-knit community. 

The first-ever Kids Vendor Event, organized by Jennifer Frey and Jennie Oilar, was designed to encourage creativity, innovation, and financial literacy among children. 

Taking inspiration from her own daughter’s interest in entrepreneurship, Jennifer said, “She loves creating stuff and has wanted to sell it, but has never had an avenue to do it. So I thought, we need to do a kids vendor event because they are honestly our future. We want them to have that inspiration and ambition to do something.”

Thanks to the support of family, neighbors, and friends, this event offered young entrepreneurs an incredible platform to showcase their products, practice their sales tactics and people skills, and ultimately bring their dreams to life. 

Seven-year-old Hazel, who had been wanting to start her own lemonade stand for a while, quickly realized how much neighborhood competition she had. When asked what had inspired her snow cone business, Hazel’s Sno Co., she giggled and said, “I thought it would be fun!”  

Her infectious enthusiasm for her icy treats drew a steady stream of customers throughout the day, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas are the sweetest.

At the other end of the parking lot, Twins Together Slime Forever, run by 9-year-olds Addison and Emma, attracted many curious visitors with their various slime creations. 

“We love slime!” the twins giggled almost in unison.

Addison and Emma’s hard work in crafting homemade slimes ranging in colors and scents earned them a growing fan base among the event attendees.

While the young entrepreneurs enjoyed making sales and pocketing some hard-earned cash, the event was about more than just money. It was a valuable learning experience that taught these kids about budgeting, marketing, and customer service. 

For 10-year-old Brody, one of the most important lessons he has learned while owning and operating Brody’s Biscuits, where he makes grain-free dog treats, is, “Save up your money instead of blowing it the second you get it.” 

Which only proves that these kids’ businesses are providing valuable life lessons in responsibility and money management that will serve them well in the future. 

It wasn’t just about the kids, either. It brought the community together, fostering a sense of pride and support for the town’s youngest businesspeople. Judging by the size of the crowd that showed up in support and the proud vendors leaving the event, it was evident the first-ever White House Kids Vendor Event was a resounding success. 

Jennifer says she is enthusiastic about what the future holds in hosting more kids vendor events.

“I love seeing the kids excited about it and letting them take the stage,” she beams. “I have thought about doing it more frequently throughout the year, because there are so many people interested in it and we didn’t have any more room. I think it could be a lot bigger.”

These young entrepreneurs are a testament to the idea that, with a little bit of passion and determination, anyone can achieve their goals, no matter what age. 

Keep up the great work, kids! We are all so very proud of you!

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