Jacob, Jonathan, and Clarissa Cook

Clarissa Cook turned her 4th grade school project into a business at the age of 9 using her love of cooking and crafting. Clarissa gives back to her community by donating a percentage of her profits to her church, the homeless and local schools. She recently donated some of her handmade quilts to the children of Haiti. In this interview, learn how Clarissa took her school project and grew it into Creating With CC.

What is the name of your business?

My business is Creating With CC and my website is http://creatingwithcc.com/

What does your business do?

In my business I sell tile crafts, jewelry, and baked items. I am writing a recipe book that will include my favorite inspirational quotes. I donate 10% of my profits to my church and I also donate some of my profits to the homeless people in our area and local schools. Recently I used some of my profits to make blankets to send to the children in Haiti.

When did you start your business?

I started my business in 4th grade as a school project during our study of entrepreneurship. I was 9 at the time and I just turned 11 last week.

How did you come up with your business idea?

I really love to cook and do crafts. I wanted to try out a business where I got to do both. I started out first making specialty baked items and sold them at times like Christmas. Then I moved on to my custom tiles and jewelry.

How has your business evolved since the start of your business?

When I found out that you had to have special licenses to sell food I started focusing more on the craft side of my business and on writing my book.

Have you always been entrepreneurial?

I have always liked making money. Even before I had my business, I would do extra chores to make money. I would use that money to save for things for my business as well as fun stuff. Right now I am saving money from my business to buy a sewing machine. Once I have my sewing machine, I will start selling things I have sewn.

How have your parents helped in the starting and growing of your business?

My mom has helped me get my website up. She also takes me shopping to get the best prices on supplies I need. My parents have introduced me to some of my customers. My parents practice with me on what to say on the phone and they read over what I put on the site. They also monitor what I do on the Internet and they of course taste test all my recipes – especially my mom =).

You are a great mentor for other kids. How are some of the ways you inspire other kids to start their business?

I tell people what I am doing and ask if they want to get involved. I give my cards out so others know what I am doing. I send cards and write encouraging words on their Facebook page. I set an example by doing lots of service in the community.

What advice would you give other kids who may have a business idea and are ready to start a business?

Try doing something you like. Do it for awhile and make sure you like it. Then make it official by getting business cards and a website and things like that. Be patient. Businesses take time to build.

What are your plans for the future of your business?

Make lots of money and donate to charities! Seriously, I plan on finishing my book. I also plan on taking more sewing lessons so that one day I can be fashion designer of modest clothing.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Never stop trying! Do what you love to do and you will be happy!

For more information about Clarissa Cook visit her website at http://creatingwithcc.com/.

Julie Barnes is a Freelance Writer focusing on her passion of entrepreneurship. Julie published “So You Want to Start a Business…Now What?” (Available on Amazon) in December 2009. Julie lives and works in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS with her husband Ron and lovable dog Hank. You can visit her site at http://www.onewhowrites.com.