ANNAPOLIS — Local business owners are investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to showcase their work on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at the Pip Moyer Recreation in Annapolis.
Kamilah Scott looks up as her twin sister, Nikayla Scott reads a package in preparation of making soap for their new business called Little Ladies Organics. The nine year olds will sell their products with fellow entrepreneurs ages seven to 30 at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis on Saturday, November 28, 2015.
Over 25 vendors ages seven to 30 will be selling and promoting an assortment of products at the Hope for the Future Exposé, sponsored by Lift Bridge Publishing, LLC, a book publishing and branding company founded by Ashley Graham and The Remnant of Christ, LLC, an arts and entertainment ministry that bridges the gap between sound biblical theology and entertainment owned by Brian Sessions.
Additionally, Light It Up With Triple A and The Little Boss Productions joined forces to help sponsor the inaugural event. Light It Up With Triple A is an event lighting company and family business run by Phyllis Tee Adams, her husband, Preston Adams, Sr. and their daughter, Shauna Hunt. Makenzee Adams, also known as “The Little Boss,” is Hunt’s seven-year-old daughter who is locally known for her philanthropic work and community involvement. Makenzee’s events are presented under the umbrella of The Little Boss Productions.
While Phyllis was on bed rest recovering from a serious accident, she saw images of young people running their own businesses in a dream. The concept of the event evolved from that.
“I shared my vision with my granddaughter, The Little Boss who is a future entrepreneur, and her eyes lit up. She said, ‘Let’s do this.’ The three of us (adult sponsors) met and it was an instant fit,” Phyllis said. “We are providing a safe, fun-filled environment where youth and young adults can come together and have fun as well as giving them a platform to expose their gifts and talents.”
Young participants include a 13-year-old budding artist named Yeala Grimes and Eric Boyd, a 14-year-old Annapolitan who wrote his first book at the age of 12.
Some of the newest youth entrepreneurs, Kamilah and Nikayla Scott are nine-year-old twin girls from Anne Arundel County. They are excited about showcasing their eight soap and bath salt varieties to the public for the first time. Over the summer the sisters began preparing for the Nov. 1 launch of Little Ladies Organics, which offers mostly organic products for all skin types. Their mother, Shauna Larmore, serves as the financial backer and business mentor who provides hands-on assistance and advice. Larmore has an entrepreneurial spirit that she is passing on to Kamilah and Nikayla. She owns a credit repair business and works as a dermatology technician and private duty nurse.
Family members, friends and several neighbors have patronized the twin entrepreneurs but Hope for the Future Exposé will help them gain broader exposure.
“They [Kamilah and Nikayla] are really excited about this event because this will be the first time that the business will go outside of just the people who are buying just because they want to support (them),” Larmore said.
Weekends are now spent working on the business and picking out supplies from craft stores. However, spending quality time together while growing Little Ladies Organics replaced things like watching television.
Kamilah is already learning that running a business requires a time investment, although she says that it is really exciting. Larmore noted that giving her daughters creative control contributed to their enthusiasm to create and run a business. Kamilah and Nikayla do the majority of the work and take pride in their Little Ladies Organics venture.
“I am really creative and there is also a website and YouTube video that showed me how to make the soaps,” Nikayla said. “My favorite product is the lavender scent (soap) because it smells really good.”
Entertainment will be provided during the public event. For more information, call Phyllis at 410-263-9278.