biz archive

Zoe, from Texas

I have sold a lot of things. I've done quite a few lemonade stands, and I've even sold books. Just last week, I got a gumball machine. I bought five packs of gum, so I've been selling gum from my gumball machine.

When I grow up, I want to be a singer.

Abbie, age 9, from North Carolina

I run a lemonade stand with my best friend, Emma. We donate the money to charity—like First Book–Charlotte or Ronald McDonald house. Sometimes I catch lizards for entertainment at the stand. We also sell our art and cards. Once I sold cupcakes, but I may have eaten a couple of them!

When I grow up, I want to be the next Jane Goodall or Rachel Carson.

Kate, age 11, from Massachusetts

I make belts. I buy the patterned ribbons and metal belt buckles from a fabric store. The way I make them is I sew the two ribbons together so that the belt is reversible. I do that on a sewing machine. Then I hand-sew the buckle on. It costs me about $3.50 to buy the materials for a belt, and it takes me almost an hour to sew one. I sell each belt for $15 at a consignment shop in my town and I get to keep $10. That means I make $6.50 for each belt I make. So far this year, I've earned almost $150! It's so cool when I see someone around town wearing one of the belts I made! Someday, I want to be a fashion designer and make all kinds of clothes.