It all started with Baby Yoda pancakes.
My five-year-old was using the Baby Yoda pancake mold he got for Christmas, and mid-flip he said "I'm gonna sell these. Lots of these."
He had a really successful Lemonade Stand this summer and he was itching to get back in the game. Granted, the Yoda pancakes were adorable and delicious, but we quickly worked out that a Pancake Stand may pose some logistical challenges that age 5 is not quite ready to contend with.
After a quick brainstorm of other baked goods he could sell, he landed on scones. It was Scone Stand time.
What I'm learning is essential to being an entrepreneur, is something my five-year-old was born with; a sense of self-value and the attitude that "Everything is Figureoutable" (a phrase Marie Forleo coined). He believes to his core that he has something people want, and he can figure out how to get it to them. This past year in business I found these two beliefs to be invaluable in starting a Small Business as well as life in general.
1) "What I have to offer is valuable"
2) "I can figure this out."
We made a plan for the sale. While we were making signs he was convinced his scones should be $5 each. When I asked him why he said "because I made them, they are great, and that's how much they're worth." I was floored and am taking notes. Part of being an entrepreneur is knowing in your core that what you have to offer people is valuable. Part of the process of becoming an entreprenuer is learning to communicate that value.
The day of the Scone Stand it was pouring rain and we helped the intrepid troops load up so they could sling their wares. At this point he had roped his brother and sister into the plan. Our team paired up with another sweet little 4-year-old business lady who was selling Hot Chocolate. This combination made the stand an irresistibly adorable and delicious experience. The community response was overwhelmingly positive and they sold out. I watched their nerves firsthand as they negotiated money and handed over their products to willing customers. This past year I felt the same nervous emotions as I worked at Farmer's Markets selling flowers or handing over bridal arrangements to glowing brides, knowing I had made something to match the beauty of their day.
Being an entrepreneur takes guts, being brave enough to know
your worth, and the value of what you're bringing to the world. In the case of my five-year-old, it was really good scones and lots of joy.
As we begin 2023 I encourage you to reflect on all the unique things you have to offer and remind yourself that they are deeply valuable. Remind yourself that you can figure it out, no matter what the obstacle. As our farm moves into a new season I'm excited for Spring and the new offerings we'll have in 2023. I'm also deep in the "figuring-it-out" stages of crop planning, building more cold storage, bed prepping, and gopher hunting! Luckily on these chilly winter days when I am cold, tired, and wet, moving heavy tarps, I can draw inspiration from the cheeky smile of my five-year-old who is hatching his next entrepreneurial venture.
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