The Grade 5 student at C.C. Loughlin in Corner Brook is the CEO of “Bead”-utiful Bracelets.
The company is one of two that has been set up at the school through the Learning Partnership’s Entrepreneurial Adventure program.
The program involves students developing a business venture from concept to product development, and actual sales, with the profits going to charity. The program is run in the classroom with assistance from business mentors in the community. Chris Rogers, owner of Christopher’s Menswear, and businesswoman Susan Curtis are helping out in Stephanie Wight’s Grade 5 class and Michelle Strickland and John Adams of BMO are mentoring Katie Warren’s Grade 6 class.
Williams wants to be prime minister when she gets older and thinks the experience will help her.
“Politics is like being a CEO,” said the 11-year-old earlier this week.
For example choosing a product was done through a diplomatic process. Williams said everyone was welcome to pitch an idea.
Then the group narrowed them down by asking questions, like would people buy the suggested products.
Williams said the class chose to make wish bracelets over hosting a barbecue fundraiser.
“We liked how they looked and we wanted something different,” said Williams.
The wish bracelets are made out of hemp and have colourful beads attached to them. People make a wish on the bracelet and then tie it on their wrist and when the bracelet falls off the wish is supposed to come true.
The class has made over 300 bracelets and has sold about 276 at $2 each. Profits from the company will go the Newfoundland West SPCA and the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Williams said she knew the job of CEO would be a busy one, but she’s enjoying it and learning many things.
“It’s harder to work by yourself, but it’s easier to work with others,” she said. “And it’s brought me closer to my classmates.”
She’s also very hands on and can be found not only overseeing her workers, but also pitching in on the production.
Out in Warren’s Grade 6 class the Newfie Crafters have been making worry dolls.
Brandon Murray is a member of the company, which has a little less formal structure.
When the class was trying to figure out what it could do, he said their teacher had them try making the dolls and the group decided that was what they wanted to do.
Worry dolls are little wooden dolls about an inch or two long that are wrapped in yarn or sometimes painted.
“First you tell them your worries before you go to bed, and then you put it under your pillow and when you wake up your worries will be gone.”
The class has made about 700 dolls and sold close to 430 at $3 each.
Their profits will be going to Kitty Academy Rescue and Adoption.
Murray said the program has really taught him how to start a business.
He said it’s a good experience for his future plan to open a sports store.
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Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker
