Mia Taylor isn’t your typical 9-year-old. She loves to play with her friends and join in the things they do, but she also likes the world of business.
It all started back in April when Mia spent the day at work with her mother, Paula Taylor, at the Sears Youth Center.
“It was during the eclipse event, and I was running a concession stand,” Paula explained. “She worked with me throughout the whole day, and she really liked it.”
She liked it so much, in fact, that when she learned of the Juneteenth celebration scheduled for an entire day in Bacon Park, she decided she should set up shop.
During the Juneteenth celebration, poised in the middle of the park, Mia had a stand erected. A sign posted on her table advertised popcorn, water, snow cones, nachos and much more.
“I think this is a very valuable lesson for her,” Paula remarked. “It teaches her responsibility, and it helps her understand how money actually works. She is learning about inventory control and things like business costs.”
“I was so excited and happy when I saw her information on the form as a vendor,” Juneteenth Committee President RT McCain stated. “I absolutely love to see a child being proactive and doing something positive. Something like this is rare, and it should be encouraged, definitely.”
Mia excitedly explained what products she had for sale, but she didn’t seem too preoccupied with the business as the day wore on.
“I like doing this because it’s fun,” Mia said, as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other while watching her friends run around the playground. “And I like to make money. I like having my own business.”
Mia was enthusiastically positive when asked if she had plans to be a vendor at other events in the future.
“I’m glad that she takes initiative like this,” Paula said with a smile. “She obviously enjoys it. I don’t know where she gets it from, because I wasn’t like that as a kid.”
Mia hopped behind the table to help her friend serve a drink to a customer and quickly posed for a photo. Afterwards she posed for a photo, and said she was having fun. When asked if she wants to own her own business in the future, she answered with a “yes.” She doesn’t know exactly what the business will be, and that’s OK — she’s only nine.