奇速英语

女儿的生意经

We all know it’s important to encourage children’s interests. But Maryland mom Charmaine Britt took support to a whole new level when she gave her daughter Breana Britt the green light to start her own baking business five years ago — when “Bree” was just 12 years old. “She kept asking me, so I finally said, ‘Well, you can start it online with you baking and me doing deliveries and we’ll see how it goes,’" Charmaine, 38, said.

Things went so well, the now 17-year-old’s Bree’s Sweet Treats has grown from a little Web cupcake-and-cookie business into a full-service bakery plus café that delivers to the entire Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. “She makes great baked goods so I just thought it could be a good way to help her become financially responsible,” says Charmaine. “I never thought it would become this.”

Bree, on the other hand, said she never had any doubts. “I love doing this,” says the junior. “And I just think, if I’m doing something I love, I may as well make money.” Bree makes about $1,500 a month.

“When we opened the store I took some time and really thought, is this what I want?” Bree says. “And it is.” She admits there have been rough patches. “There have been times when we’ve gotten frustrated. Am I willing to give up a bit of time with friends for this?” she says. “But I never regretted having this business. It’s been a part of me for so long.”

Charmaine is already thrilled with what her daughter has accomplished. “Over the years I’ve gotten a chance to see her become a leader as far as the business and I’m so impressed with her dedication, especially for someone of her age.” says the mom.