Entrepreneurs at an early age: Kids learn a lot by running their own business

Zellie Lacroix, 11, engages with a customer looking to buy some jewelry, while her borther, Credance, 9, looks on. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Twelve-year-old Liam of Chester loves cotton candy, but even more than that, he loves making money by making cotton candy.
And that's what he was doing on Saturday at the Kids Market inside the Granite State Fair's Exhibition Hall where about 60 youngsters from all over the state came to hone their marketing and selling skills.
Among them were Zellie Lacroix, 11, who was selling bracelets; and her brother, Credance, 9, who was selling bottled water.
Parents like their mom, Danielle Lacroix, take a back seat during these events, which are inspired by the Tuttle Twins Children's Entrepreneur Market Curriculum.
Lacroix watched from afar as Zellie and Credance greeted and engaged potential customers as they entered the market.
"They received so many compliments on how outgoing they were today, greeting and smiling to all the people walking through the market," Lacroix said. "This was their first market, but I'm looking forward to seeing them engage in a future event for sure."
Carrie Ann Hebert of Webster, one of the organizers of the event, said this was the first year New Hampshire has been part of the Children's Entrepreneur Market Curriculum. She said so far they've had six markets at fairs and other events across the state.
"They do it all themselves," she said. "Marketing, selling, finance, inventory, what products are moving and what aren't."
Many of the tables were enjoying a brisk business, but the longest lines were at the cotton candy stand run by Liam, who said his penchant for cotton candy inspired him to learn how to make it, and later how to sell it.
"I love cotton candy, so I asked my mom if I could get a job making cotton candy," he said as he expertly spun some of the confection for a customer. "She said I would have to work hard, and I told her I would, so she let me do it."
So at the ripe old age of 12 what does Liam think he'll do when he grows up?
"When I grow up I think I'll either have a business making cotton candy or maybe an athletic job, cause I play lots of sports and I'm good."

And so is his cotton candy!