The Sound of Success at the Brevard Children's Business Fair: Meeting Elijah of Coastal Harmonica

We are always thrilled to share the stories of young people who turn their passions into real businesses at the Brevard Children's Business Fair. These experiences teach our kids so much more than sales—they teach them about life, confidence, and purpose.

We recently spoke with Elijah, a returning participant, and his parents about his business, Coastal Harmonica. Elijah is a perfect example of how the Brevard Children's Business Fair can help kids grow and shine!

Here is their story.

Coastal Harmonica: Turning Music into a Mission

Elijah’s business, Coastal Harmonica, is focused on playing music to entertain and bring joy.

His journey began when he was eight. After seeing a street musician performing in downtown Cocoa Beach, he felt inspired.

“I asked my parents if I could perform if I learned more songs. I practiced a lot and started street performing not long after,” Elijah shared.

He plays popular music from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, as well as Christian contemporary songs. He loves playing "Hotel California" by the Eagles!

Real-World Growth and Big Achievements

When Elijah participated in the 2023 fair, he planned for the challenge of performing for many hours straight. He used money he'd already earned to buy a wireless microphone and speaker and started practicing with custom background tracks. This preparation helped him manage his long performance day like a pro.

Since that first fair, his business has taken off! An attendee at the fair even booked him for a Zoom performance for a family Christmas party. He continues to perform on the street and has now played at places like Heidi’s Jazz Club in St. Augustine and private parties. He is also developing his YouTube channel, "Coastal Harmonica."

Elijah’s business, Coastal Harmonica, is focused on playing music to entertain and bring joy.

Elijah's YouTube Channel

What The Fair Teaches: A Parent's View

We asked Elijah’s parents about the impact of running Coastal Harmonica. They noted that the experience has helped Elijah develop key life skills:

• Valuable Skills: “Through running Coastal Harmonica, Elijah has developed a variety of valuable skills—including creativity, communication, and financial awareness,” they explained. “He’s learned how to share his passion, set goals, plan a display, and interact confidently with customers.”

• The Confidence Boost: “The Brevard Children's Business Fair has had a tremendous impact on Elijah’s confidence,” they said. “Seeing people enjoy his music showed him that his talents and efforts have real value. It helped him step outside his comfort zone and take pride in what he’s built.”

  
  

Elijah shared the most valuable lesson he’s learned is the importance of hard work and consistency. He noted that when he didn't practice regularly, his playing suffered, cementing the value of putting in the work to achieve his goals.

Why the Brevard Children’s Business Fair is Valuable

Elijah’s parents believe the fair is important for all young people:

“The Brevard Children’s Business Fair is so valuable because it gives kids the chance to turn their ideas into action... it helps young people discover their God-given gifts and see how they can use them to bless others. It’s an empowering environment where kids learn to take initiative, make decisions, and gain real-world experience.”

Elijah’s advice to new entrepreneurs is simple: don’t be afraid to try new things.

"I was nervous when I first started, but I've learned so much, and my business has really grown... I enjoy what I do, and I'm thankful that I tried something new. It takes hard work, but it has been worth it!"

Elijah keeps coming back each year because he truly loves doing what he does and bringing joy through his music. We can’t wait to see him shine again at the Brevard Children's Business Fair!

Don't Miss the Next Opportunity!

Did Elijah’s story inspire you? The Brevard Children’s Business Fair is often the launching pad for young entrepreneurs just like him!

Don't wait to hear about next year's event. Be the first to know when registration opens and receive important updates about the fair!

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From 'Aha' to Adorned Bracelets: Jenna's Success Story at the Brevard Children's Business Fair

Jenna's Adorned Bracelets

Hey Parents of the Brevard Children's Business Fair! We love watching our young entrepreneurs grow, and today we’re shining a light on a fantastic returning participant: Jenna of Adorned Bracelets! Jenna has been part of the Brevard Children's Business Fair family for two years, turning a simple love for accessories and essential oils into a thriving business.

If you’re a parent wondering if your child is ready to start their own business, or if you’re a parent looking for that next big idea for the Brevard Children's Business Fair, Jenna’s story is a must-read!

The Spark: When Bracelets Met Essential Oils

You know how some kids have a passion? For Jenna, it was always accessories—she never leaves home without a few bracelets on! She also loves essential oils. Her mom, a small business owner herself, wanted to help Jenna learn about entrepreneurship.

Jenna told us the moment everything clicked: "We had heard of the concept of diffuser bracelets, but the designs weren't great."

So, they decided to make them better! They got unique gemstone beads, raw wood, and the right cord. Within just two weeks, they had a logo and a plan. When they found our Brevard Children’s Business Fair online, they signed up right away. It's a great reminder that the best business ideas often come from making a great product even better!

The Key Lesson: Always Have a Catchphrase!

Being an entrepreneur isn’t just about making things; it’s about selling them, too! Jenna learned this quickly during her first year at the Brevard Children's Business Fair.

"My first year, I learned quickly that I needed a catchphrase to draw people into my booth," she explained. People would smile and walk by, but they didn't stop.

So, what did she do? She became a great salesperson! She started asking people, "Have you ever heard of a diffuser bracelet?" When they said no, she’d follow up with, "Let me show you how it works." And just like that, customers stepped right into her booth!

This is such a smart lesson for any young business owner: Engage your customers!

If Jenna could give just one piece of advice to another child who dreams of starting a business, it would be simple: "JUST DO IT! It is fun and teaches you how to be more outgoing. It is exciting each and every time a customer buys something from you!"

The Parents' Proud Perspective

We know you parents are the real heroes behind the scenes, so we asked Jenna’s mom what the most significant change has been since Adorned Bracelets started.

It's about so much more than just the product! Jenna’s mom shared that her confidence has soared. She loves telling people about her business, and their amazement at her designs has worked wonders for her self-esteem.

More than that, Jenna has learned real-world business skills like cost of goods sold and profit margins. Her mom sees how the business helps Jenna recognize her own talents and gifts. "I think it is so very important that every child discover their talents and gifts," she said. "I love that this business gives her an insight into the gifts that God has given her!"

The Brevard Children's Business Fair is a truly special place. Jenna's mom says she’s proud to watch Jenna handle everything on her own—from making change to answering questions. "It is nice to be able to sit back and watch her shine!"

That’s what the Brevard Children’s Business Fair is all about: empowering our kids. It allows them to feel like they can have a business, just like a grown-up, which is incredibly valuable as they start thinking about their future.

Ready for your child to learn these extraordinary life and business lessons? Keep an eye on our site and social media for details about the next Brevard Children’s Business Fair event!

From a Love of Baking to a Business: Meet Juliet, a Young Entrepreneur at the Brevard Children's Business Fair!

Green turle cupcakes

Cookies on a plate

Blackberry cupcakes

Mini pies

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a hobby into a real-life business? For Juliet, a talented young baker, it all began with her love for creating sweet treats. At the Brevard Children's Business Fair, kids like her have the opportunity to transform their passions into a business while learning valuable skills along the way.

We had the chance to chat with Juliet, the founder of Juliet's Bakeshop, and her mom, Melanie, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey.

A Taste of Success: Juliet's Story

Juliet's Bakeshop was born from a simple idea: bringing people together with delicious food. "My favorite treat to make is definitely my matcha cookies," Juliet shared. "There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing something I've made by hand bring smiles to people’s faces."

For Juliet, the fair means more than just selling. It's about connecting with customers and creating a great experience. "The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how important it is to connect with people," she said. "Getting their feedback has helped me improve my recipes and the way I run my business."

What advice does this young entrepreneur have for other kids? "Start small, don't get overwhelmed, and focus on what you're passionate about," she advised. She also emphasized the importance of asking for help and learning from both successes and mistakes.

The Parents' Perspective: How the Brevard Children's Business Fair Builds Confidence Juliet's mom, Melanie, has witnessed how the Brevard Children's Business Fair has transformed her daughter.

"Juliet has really grown in both her cooking skills and her confidence," Melanie told us. She observed how Juliet progressed from basic recipes to experimenting with new flavors and fully embracing the role of a business owner. Melanie noted that Juliet's confidence has soared, especially in handling customer interactions and financial transactions. "She could literally start running a craft fair or farmer’s market-style business today if she wanted," Melanie said proudly.

Melanie believes the Brevard Children's Business Fair is a valuable experience because it offers kids a real insight into what it takes to run a business. From marketing and packaging to customer service, every aspect of the process is a hands-on learning opportunity.

It has been a delight for Melanie to watch her daughter grow as an entrepreneur. "Juliet plans to attend culinary school and one day open her own bakery and teahouse," she shared. "Her experience with the Brevard Children's Business Fair has provided an amazing opportunity to test the waters and catch a glimpse of her future!"

Ready to Inspire Your Future Entrepreneur?

The Brevard Children's Business Fair is the perfect place for young people to explore their business ideas in a fun, supportive environment. It’s an opportunity for them to learn valuable skills, build confidence, and discover their potential.

Do you have a future entrepreneur at home? The fair is a fantastic way to help them turn their dreams into reality. Subscribe to our newsletter to be kept up to date on our next open registration!