FAYETTEVILLE’S MAIN Street is more than brick-and-mortar storefronts and festivals. It’s more than area business owners, leaders, shoppers, and nonprofits. It’s about raising up generations of members with a heart for their hometown.
The Fayetteville Main Street (FMS) Kid Business Membership program is about supporting local youth in their entrepreneurial adventures and planting seeds for future success for everyone involved. The program positively impacts six young business owners, greatly multiplying their $1 investment.
FMS Executive Director Aimee Byrd said, “I wanted to engage those younger than teenagers, too, because you give them an opportunity to feel like they’re contributing to the community, even at 5 or 6 years old. We don’t have to wait until they’re 18 years old or voting age to get them involved in making an impact. We can promote them and get them excited at such a young age and try to give these kids just starting out a platform.”
Ladd Caldwell’s Lemon Squeezy at last year’s First Fridays sparked the idea of a way to support the work of Lincoln County’s youngest entrepreneurs. It has now grown to six members, with everyone offering something different and meaningful to them. And their work today is accomplishing much more than they have yet to realize, and exposure for their business through FMS is priceless.
Lemon Squeezy offered special pricing for purchasing lemonade in a cup that shoppers can return for refills. Repeat customers inspire Caldwell.
He said, “I wanted to start the lemonade stand to make my own money. I get excited when people come back each month with their yellow cup.”
Consider supporting the dreams of our youngest business owners and expect them to greatly impact the community now and in the not-so-distant future.
From the Fayetteville Main Street website, members are:
Ruby Fru-Tea
At just 10 years old, Ruby Murdock is funneling her creativity into bringing a sweet Southern fruit tea to Fayetteville and possibly some other sweets! She said she loves living in our small town and will be set up at First Saturdays this season. Follow her on Instagram @ruby.frutea and Ruby-Fru-Tea on Facebook.
Gracie’s Cupcakes
Gracie’s love for baking started by helping her grandmother in the kitchen at a young age. Two years ago, she started selling her cupcakes to make and save her own money. Since then, her business has grown more than she could have ever imagined. She has made cupcakes for birthdays, baby showers, and even weddings. Be sure to like her Gracie’s Cupcakes Facebook page.
Hannah’s Hens Farm Fresh Eggs
Hannah offers a healthier option with her farm-fresh, free-range eggs. Orders are taken on Sunday, and deliveries are made on Monday. Call or text for orders (931) 808-6261 or order on her Facebook page, which can be found by searching for Hannah’s Hens Farm Fresh Eggs
Lemon Squeezy
If you attended First Fridays last year, hopefully, you stopped by Mr. Ladd Caldwell’s lemonade stand on the northeast corner of the square! This 7-year-old entrepreneur had a dream, and he sold out almost every time! More of his signature yellow cups are on the way, and he is brainstorming ideas on how to build his business this season! Be sure to join his Facebook group, Lemon Squeezy, to see where Ladd will be set up this year.
The Little Farm
The Little Farm is a cut-flower farm run by two of Fayetteville’s youngest entrepreneurs, Mr. Cohen Welch and Miss Ava Monks! They have arranged mason jar bouquets and produce daily in the summer and pumpkins in the fall at their roadside stand! You’ll find their stand at 220 McDougal Road. — on the corner of McDougal Road and Huntsville Highway in Park City! More information is on facebook.com/thelittlefarm.tn and Instagram thelittlefarm.tn.
Lincoln’s Farm
Lincoln’s Farm is a small farm located in Lincoln County and run by the smiliest little guy, Lincoln Ogle. Lincoln takes care of his animals on his farm and collects eggs from his chickens, guineas, and ducks. Lincoln also raises and sells chicks, Guinea hens, and ducklings. Lincoln sells eggs and chicks to teach him how to start and run a farm while saving his money. All of Lincoln’s proceeds go into his savings account for his future farm! Follow Lincoln’s Farm on Facebook. GN
