Ella Psaila appears to be an ordinary 11-year-old, with a fondness for bacon, moustaches, and the show Project Runway. However, upon meeting her, you might be surprised to discover that she has already achieved more than many people twice her age.
In early 2017, Psaila entered a Dragons’ Den-like competition called Lions’ Lair, where she faced off against 10 adult entrepreneurs. After impressing the judges, she secured $1,000 to kickstart her business, Cause WE Create: an online hub for children to sell their handmade creations.
Guiding Young Entrepreneurs
While it might seem like a lofty goal to raise intelligent, socially responsible children, it’s entirely achievable. Here are some strategies to cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit.
Instill Empathy
Emotional intelligence (EI) is a unique ability to perceive and respond appropriately to others’ feelings. This essential trait is found in 90 percent of top achievers. To nurture EI in children, encourage them to see life from multiple perspectives and promote volunteering for causes they care about.
Offer Freedom
Creativity and innovation are at the heart of entrepreneurship. Research indicates that children thrive when they can pursue their own interests rather than feeling pressured to excel in specific areas. This autonomy encourages kids to engage in various activities like music and sports.
This was true for Psaila, whose mother admits that she doesn’t share her daughter’s passion for sewing. “I don’t sew at all,” Candy chuckles. “I just iron, pin, and cut fabric—sometimes incorrectly!”
Encourage Risk-Taking
Psaila’s journey demonstrates that age is no barrier to making an impact. Children may hesitate to try new things for fear of failure. Teach them that setbacks are simply part of the learning process. Apps like Positive Penguins can assist kids in building optimism and resilience.
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The Role of Creativity
Before diving into entrepreneurship, Psaila started sewing as a hobby. “I was inspired to sew because my Auntie Lynnette does it and creates amazing costumes,” Psaila shares. “A year later, my mom suggested I start my own business.”
Monica Candy, Psaila’s mom and support system, believes that these creative activities have provided them with precious bonding moments. “I cut, and she sews. It’s quality time for us,” she explains, adding that stepping away from electronics and focusing on sewing has enhanced their communication. “Creating together is very meditative.”
Why Creativity Matters
For children (and everyone), the advantages of creativity are immense. Here are just a few compelling reasons to engage in creative activities like painting or playing music.
Enhanced Motor Skills
Engaging in activities such as drawing, sewing, and dancing can improve children’s fine motor skills, boost self-awareness, and elevate their confidence.
Improved Critical Thinking
When children are allowed to explore creative play, they gain insights into the world surrounding them. For instance, art offers a platform for kids to think analytically about their projects.
Increased Intelligence
Those piano lessons you may have dreaded in your youth could have actually increased your smarts. Studies show that musical training can significantly enhance a young person’s IQ. Other disciplined creative activities can provide similar cognitive benefits.
From Passion to CEO
Psaila’s initial venture, Sew-Awesome, sprang from her desire to create gifts. “We started making bookmarks for [Ella’s] class during Christmas,” notes Candy, “and it evolved from there.”
Now, through her website (sewawesomedesigns.com), Psaila offers a variety of handmade products like cards, bookmarks, and pouches. Her more intricate creations are saved for friends, each of whom receives a personalized gym bag on their birthday.
Psaila’s nonprofit initiative, Cause WE Create, was born from her experience in Lions’ Lair, a rigorous six-week entrepreneurship training course run by the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Cause WE Create aims to be a child-friendly version of Etsy. Candy envisions it as “a community for young creatives.” The site (causewecreate.org) is anticipated to launch in early 2018.
The Motivation Behind the Business
Yet, Psaila clarifies, “There’s a catch.” Members of Cause WE Create are required to donate a portion of their earnings to charity. Psaila and her mom are currently reviewing various charities to partner with, hoping to choose ones that resonate and are relatable for children.
Giving back has always been at the heart of Psaila’s mission—she donates 25% of her income from sewing to Sewing Seeds, a nonprofit that supports women and children in Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Peru, and Mexico through various programs, including sewing training.
“When I sell a bookmark and donate the proceeds, it fills my heart with happiness,” Psaila expresses. “Many kids don’t get to experience that joy since most don’t own businesses. I want to help other kids feel that way.”
However, being an entrepreneur is no walk in the park. Psaila’s evenings are filled with a mix of business planning, sewing, highland dancing, Girl Guides meetings, and, of course, schoolwork.
But for her mother, it’s all invaluable. “Witnessing her diligence and dedication to donating is truly rewarding,” Candy states. “As a parent, sharing this journey with her has been incredibly enlightening.”
