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

N McFarland
Nov 4
3 min read

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."

A young boy standing with a harmonica in his hand and posing under a pop-up tent.

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

Elijah's YouTube Channel

A young boy playing a harmonica under a pop-up tent.

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!