The Youngest CEO at 11
At first glance, Ella Psaila appears to be an ordinary 11-year-old with a fondness for bacon, moustaches, and Project Runway. However, delving deeper reveals that she has achieved more than most individuals twice her age.
In early 2017, Ella took part in a business competition reminiscent of Dragons’ Den, called Lions’ Lair, where she showcased her entrepreneurial skills alongside ten adult competitors. Her impressive pitch secured her a $1,000 grant to launch her business, Cause WE Create, an online platform enabling children to market their handmade goods.
Emphasizing Creativity
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Ella’s interest in sewing began as a simple pastime. “I was inspired to sew because my Auntie Lynnette creates incredible costumes,” Ella shares. “A year later, my mom suggested the idea of establishing my own business.”
Monica Candy, Ella’s mother and sewing assistant, attributes their shared creativity as a means of bonding. “I cut, and she sews. It’s a wonderful time together,” she explains, highlighting how reducing screen time and focusing on crafting has enhanced their communication. “Spending time creating things together is quite tranquil.”
The Significance of Creativity
The advantages of creative expression are immense for children and everyone else. Here are a few key reasons to engage in artistic activities.
Enhanced Motor Skills
Creative activities such as painting, sewing, and dancing can sharpen fine motor skills, boost self-awareness, and increase confidence.
Improved Critical Thinking
Encouraging children to engage in imaginative play equips them with insights about the world. For instance, art encourages children to critically consider their creations.
Increased Cognitive Abilities
Piano lessons you dreaded in your youth may have actually aided your intelligence. Evidence suggests that musical education can enhance children’s IQ. Other creative endeavors that necessitate discipline also stimulate cognitive growth.
Becoming a Young Entrepreneur
Ella’s first venture, Sew-Awesome, began with a simple gift idea. “We started by creating bookmarks for Ella’s class for Christmas,” Monica recalls, “and it snowballed from there.”
Now, through her website (sewawesomedesigns.com), Ella sells hand-crafted greeting cards, bookmarks, pouches, and other manageable creations. More intricate projects are reserved for her friends, who receive custom gym bags on their birthdays.
Her current nonprofit initiative, Cause WE Create, was born from her experience in Lions’ Lair, a rigorous six-week business training program backed by the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Targeting a young audience, Cause WE Create aims to function as a children’s version of Etsy, where young creators can showcase their artwork and crafts, which Candy describes as “a community of creative kids.” The platform is set to launch in early 2018.
Understanding the Motivation Behind the Business
However, Ella emphasizes that “there’s a condition.” Participants joining Cause WE Create will be required to contribute a portion of their earnings to charitable endeavors. She and her mother are currently reviewing charities that resonate with them and are relatable for children, Candy explains.
Giving back has always been at the heart of Ella’s entrepreneurial spirit—her motivation for transforming her hobby into a business. She commits 25% of her earnings from sewing to Sewing Seeds, a nonprofit focused on empowering women and children in countries like Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Peru, and Mexico through programs such as sewing training.
“When I sell a bookmark and can donate the money I’ve earned, it fills my heart with happiness,” Ella states. “Many kids miss out on this feeling because they don’t have businesses. I want to provide that sense of joy to other children.”
Embracing entrepreneurship is not all pleasurable. Ella’s evenings are a blend of business strategizing, sewing, highland dancing, Girl Guides, and her schoolwork.
Yet, her mother asserts that the effort is worthwhile. “Observing her diligence and her desire to donate has been tremendously impactful,” Candy remarks. “As a parent, imparting this lesson is beautiful, and I find myself learning so much from it as well.”
