Young Female Entrepreneurs on the Up and Up
Women in Business is such an exciting time for South Mississippi Living magazine as it gives us a chance to highlight so many wonderful local women who are out there giving it their all to support their families, support their dreams, and support the Mississippi Gulf Coast. But not only are these women out there killing in their respective fields, they make up some of the most influential and effective role models for the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Crops of young, coastal girls are popping up everywhere with products covering all aspects of a growing economy. They are young, creative, and determined to make a difference in their local communities, one product and service at a time.
For Adele Lyons, CEO of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, promoting small businesses is what she’s all about and she knows that taking that first step is essential to any new enterprise. “It’s exciting to see young girls creating their own businesses and learning the process of a successful venture. It’s never too early to understand how the business world works and the lessons that come along with taking risks and being creative.”
We know there are so many talented and brilliant young business owners on the Mississippi Gulf Coast but check out just a few!
Business for Grades: Beary Chocolaty
Owner, Julep R.
What do you do when you love gummy bears, but you also love chocolate? You combine the two! Beary Chocolaty marries the scrumdiddlyumptious flavor of milk chocolate with the lovable silhouette of your favorite gummy candy into one delicious bite.
When presented with the challenge of starting a business from the ground up for her school’s EXPLORE program, Julep R. knew chocolate bears were the perfect idea. After developing her plan and securing the necessary capital from “family investors,” this third grader at Nativity BVM Catholic School had everything she needed to make and sell over 550 chocolate bears at her school’s Downtown Nativity event. Julep sold out by day’s end, earning her the top spot in revenue.
“Making and selling bears for my Beary Chocolaty business was so much fun and I loved sharing my business with my classmates,” she says. We think she definitely earned an A+!
Business for a Cause: Lanyards by Sophie
Owner, Sophie G.
Some businesses are born out of necessity while others are born out of a genuine care for others.
Finding a platform to help out those in need was Sophie G.’s goal, and in 2020 she started designing and making beaded mask lanyards. What started as a simple way to help people navigate a health pandemic morphed into a business that has raised over $10,000 for local and regional charities. That’s quite impressive for someone entering their freshman year at St. Patrick Catholic High School.
Sophie’s focus was finding a way to give back to others, and each year a portion of her sales are donated back to her local community. Her business has expanded to include teacher lanyards, keychains, and pens, each with their own special flair and individual message. Sophie embraces her faith as part of her business model and she knows giving back to others will always be front and center of her business goals.
Check out Lanyards by Sophie on Facebook!
Business for Beauty: K.Rose Cosmetics
Owner, Kennedi Rose S.
What young girl doesn’t love playing with her mother’s makeup? Kennedi Rose S. loved it so much that she decided to make her own.
This 12 year old at Biloxi Upper Elementary took her love of beauty products and developed her own line of cosmetics. From the start to finish, Kennedi is hands on throughout the entire process. She loves all aspects of her beauty line, but definitely has a soft spot for lip kits.
While she loves making people feel pretty, one of Kennedi’s biggest achievements with K.Rose Cosmetics has been learning how to make decisions at such a young age. She also loves supporting other women entrepreneurs and stresses that believing in yourself and putting God first are the two keys to success.
Be on the lookout for K.Rose Cosmetics in Coastal Mississippi boutiques this fall!
For now, you can check them out at www.krosecosmetics.com.
