Join me in welcoming our very own Autumn Thompson, Online Account Manager and all around chaos tamer at ADG. She has a very special story to tell about her daughter that I for one think is just awesome. I’m sure you will, too!
My daughter is quickly approaching the eight year mark. As I look back at those fast fleeing years, I’ve always encouraged her to feel like she can do or become anything she wants. Sometimes it doesn’t come naturally, like sports, but with hard work and practice, you can get there. I try to indulge her creativity even when it is a struggle for me. I tell her she can be the president, an astronaut, a teacher, yes, even a horse trainer. But, I always wonder if she actually gets what I’m saying. I encourage her to visit me at work. It’s more than sitting at a desk. I encourage her and her scout troop to talk to women business owners like Erica Allison, who graciously endured an afternoon of 20 brownies asking her about her business. I encourage her to be inspired. I’ve seen a spark lately that tells me she does get it.
They Really Do Listen After All
I have been invited to Africa this summer on a mission trip with Compassion International. Before I committed to such a large undertaking, I had to talk to my family. They are more than supportive of my trip. My daughter wanted to make sure I brought her something back and of course, take lots of pictures! This sort of trip requires us to do some fundraising because of the expense involved.
The Spark that Sticks
My daughter decided she was going to start her own business. Her proceeds would go to help fund my trip. We had many discussions about starting a business. What type of product would you sell? Who is your audience? What costs are involved? After much thought and a morning art class, she found her passion for duct tape wallets. She recruited six of her friends to help her sell her wares. After a few days, she learned a valuable lesson on competition as the six friends decide to start their own businesses. They didn’t venture into duct tape but they are competing for the allowances of the other children.
As she gets more creative, she has evolved her line into pencil holders, tote bags, pens and hair bows. We have spent numerous hours together finding the right tape, contemplating on what will hold up and what will sell. I encouraged her to name her business. After several days of brain storming, she thought of it: Sticky Fingers. She said “that’s because that’s what you have after dealing with duct tape.”
We’ve spent a few hours making signs and yes, a Facebook page. (I figure I might as well teach her about social media!) Granted, as the sole investor, I’m in the hole. But the life lesson my daughter is learning on how running a business isn’t always easy or glamorous is all the return I need on my investment.
Who knows, the seeds we are planting today might blossom into a world famous designer. I can’t wait to find out!
Autumn can be found online via Twitter, LinkedIn, and the ADG Facebook page. She’s one tough “mudder,’ having killed it on the USMC Mud Run, crushed up some color on a Color Run, and pretty much killing it 5 days a week doing Cross Fit, running, or keeping up with her active daughter and husband. We’re lucky to have her here at ADG!
