Lessons I Learned as a 10 Year Old Entrepreneur That Will Help Me When I'm 11

Being named one of Zagat Atlanta’s Top 30 Under 30 is a great honor. I am so proud and humbled.  I am now more determined than ever to be a success and inspiration to anyone who will hear my story or buy my ice cream.  Mr. Billy Lyons and Mr. Chris Hassiotis have told me that they expect great things from me and I am not going to let them down.  When people believe in you, it changes the way you think and feel about yourself. It makes you want to be successful for them and for yourself.  I want to be a successful entrepreneur and billionaire, but first I got to correct some mistakes.

The road to success is not smooth and easy.  I have learned and experienced a lot in my 3^rd year of business.  I have worked over 60 events this year alone and I am preparing to shut down for the winter or at least that’s the plan. I say that because I have been asked to cater some exclusive events this holiday season and I am excited to see if these new jobs take help to take my business to a whole new level.  So what lessons did I learn this season? I made about three big mistakes and I learned a lot from them.  I want to share them with you so you will avoid them in your business or on your job.

1. Treat every customer as if they are spending their last dollar with you.  I made the mistake of not staying engaged with a customer who was trying to talk to me.  I was in a rush because there were a lot of people in line.  I missed the fact that this mother was trying to tell me that she caught the bus from across time to come to see me a festival.  She brought her two young sons to meet me because she wanted them to be inspired by me.  I did not say much to her. My mom saw this lady leave with a disappointed look on her face.  My mom convinced her to come back and I apologized for not showing more kindness and patience.  I then took pictures with her and her sons.  Later when mom told me her story, I felt bad because she really was spending her last few dollars with me so her sons could see someone their age working.  This taught me to be nice to every customer and go out of your way to make sure they leave your presence feeling a lot better than when they came.  Repeat customers are the best customers and Ms. Maya Angelou said people will always remember how you made them feel.

2. Every job is gift, a blessing, and an opportunity to show what you do best.  This summer I had a major competitor come to my town.  This competitor is fun and exciting and several customers often choose his product over mine.  The business is so appealing, I want to buy from him.  At first I would get frustrated but I soon realized that I had to stop feeling bad and start feeling grateful for the chance to even work.  I started to focus on what I do best and my products.  I soon realized that several customers would often buy from us both. 

3. Don’t be afraid to try something that makes you extremely uncomfortable because you might miss a great opportunity.  This summer my cousins came to work with me to help me out in some of my big events.  My oldest cousin, Malia, tried to convince me to do a video to submit to the Ellen DeGeneres Show.  She made signs for me and even wrote a script.  She pleaded with me to go ahead and make the video because she felt Ellen would see it and help me and my business.  To make a long story short, I didn’t make the video because I was scared and I thought Ellen would never bring a kid like me to her show.  As it turns out, another kid entrepreneur did make in onto the Ellen Show and she gave him so many things to help him and his business.  I am happy for him, but I am sorry that I did not at least try.  

I hope you can learn from my mistakes because I sure have.  In addition to Mr. Lyons and Mr. Hassiotis, there are so many other people who believe in me like Doc, Mr. Shumate, Mr. Long, Ms. Dee, Ms. Sande, Mom, Dad, my brother and Grandma.  I know you have a lot people who believe in you too, so don’t let them down and don't make the same mistakes I did.   

Beau

Tom, McBearty, You're Coolest! My Spotlight of some of the Coolest People I Know!

This Post Dedicated to some of the Coolest People I Meet on the Job!

Tom McBearty and I in the Popsicle. Tom loves mentoring the kids at Thomas Lay Park and he also loves ice cream! One of the Coolest people I know!

On this Thursday, October 2nd, I visited the Thomas L. Park Mentor program. This was not my first time bringing ice cream heaven to the students in the program.  My family and I love going to the center because we like that we are there for students who have earned ice cream treats for their grades, behavior, participation and just for being cool.  We also love it that we get to see our friend, Tom McBearty.  Tom is director of the program and he as been working as a volunteer mentor for about 4 years now.  He loves all the kids there and they love him. Tom, Ms. Margaret and other volunteer mentors spend every school day afternoon with the program participants.  They don't get paid or anything.  They come because they love helping the kids with their homework, showing them new things, and taking them on field trips to see things they have never seen.  I wish I was a part of his program.  Those kids are so lucky to have a mentor like Tom.  And I am lucky to have him as a friend.  Please see some of the great pictures we have taken while visiting Tom, Margaret and the kids at Thomas Lay Park Mentor program.   Beau

Tom, Ms. Margaret,Mentors and Mentees

My mom met someone who shares her birthday! They celebrated together!

Lessons Learned After Working in Sanford Stadium

Saturday, September 20th was a very special day for my family and me.  This is my third year in business and since I first started I have always wanted to sell ice cream inside of Sanford Stadium. Any businessman or business woman can understand that why I would want to take my ice cream cart to any place where there are 92,000 people!  After driving past the stadium stadium my whole life, seeing all the people come to my town year after year after year, I finally got to see for myself what all the excitement was about. My experience was unbelievable! At the end of the day we all got together and talked about our day.  We all agreed it was biggest most challenging event we had ever worked but we survived! We can't wait to do it all again next Saturday when the Dawgs take on the Volunteers!  Check out the most valuable lessons I learned my first time working in Sanford Stadium.

1. Bulldog Nation is for Real!

Watching the Pre-game video with all the Georgia greats! Thanking God for this opportunity.

Bulldog fans are extremely loyal and supportive! Just some things I observed about the Bulldogs - During the pregame video that featured some former players and coaches, the fans were cheering so loudly, I thought the game was starting. I think I even saw some people crying!; The Dawg Walk is a right of passage for everyone during every home game; You don't want to be on the other end of "Gooooo Dawgs, Sic 'em",  Every member of band believes they were born to play for the Bulldogs on Saturdays, and everyone from ages 1 to 101 stand still when they play the Georgia's Alma Mater  When I asked my mom why were people liked that song so much, she said it's our Alma Mater. (My Mom is a proud alumni card-carrying member of Bulldog Nation. She graduated in 1989).  I definitely learned that any Bulldog fan in the world would suit up in a minute if they thought they could help the Dawgs get a W. I also now know why my mom wants me go there. After yesterday I learned that I am a natural born Bulldog (sorry dad).

2. Ice Cream Weather is Whatever the Temperature is that Day!

Walking to the stadium with Georgia and Ice Cream on my mind.

I was a little worried about the weather before the game.  However, those worries disappeared quickly. I was amazed at the number of people who wanted my ice cream even though it was not 90 degrees outside! This shouldn't surprise me because I when worked the LickSkillet Artisans Market last October it was 69 degrees outside.  Apparently people from the North are not all that concerned about the weather when they are eating ice cream. As it turned out 80 degrees was as perfect as 69 degrees.

3. Unless your game day position is between the Hedges, you got to work to get noticed!

There are so many other concession stands and vendors working in Sanford Stadium.  While Mom and Rock manned the cart, my dad and I walked around the concourse looking for customers.  My dad carried the bag while I carried the sign and yelled "Ice Cream!" We did get some customers!!!! People saw us!!!

4. Stay focused and Resist Distractions

It takes a whole of people working together to make a UGA football game happen.  Thanks to RJ for helping us get ready!

I didn't do a very good job of this yesterday.  I'll be honest I really wanted to see the game.  You see although I live in Athens, I have never been to a UGA football game.  So every chance I got I watched the game.  It was awesome! This may have caused me to not be as engaged with my customers. I may have even counted some change incorrectly (sorry Mom).  I made up for it by working extremely hard during halftime.  I will do better at resisting this temptation next week.

All-in-all I had a great time! Best work day ever!! Before I close, some thank yous are in order.  First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me, my family and my business.  He keeps opening doors for me and I am so grateful.   I want to thank Mom, Dad and Rock for working with me.  They have been #teamBeau from day one. I want to thank my grandma, Martha McKnight, for making us some custom aprons for the game.  These aprons helped to hold the money in place so I didn't pull out too much money when giving change.  I also want to thank Ms Sande Bailey for praying with my family before leaving the house.  Ms. Sande is the coolest!   A Special thanks to Mr. Randy and Mr. John for giving me a chance to prove I can work in Sanford Stadium.  And lastly, I want thank Doc Mr. Shumate,  Ms. Dee, Mrs. Burks and everyone else who have prayed for me and believed in me and my business.

Beau (with help from Mom)

The Popsicle is Revealed!

She's Here! The Ice Cream Dream Machine is Here!

Yesterday was final chapter in the Popsicle Project.  She has been delivered, wrapped and is serving up happiness everywhere she goes. I couldn't wait to show the world the her new graphics, tires, freezer, air conditioner, and sign boards.

The Popsicle! Yay!!

Recap of the Day's Events

A big part of the Popsicle Reveal and most crowdfunding campaigns is the distribution of the perks for the people who contribute.  My crowd funding campaign on was located on Indiegogo.com.  Some of the first people to support me were three ladies from my school. Mrs. Michele Cummings, Mrs. Sharon Casola, and Mrs. Angie Johnson.  I delivered the perks to them personally.

Mrs. Cummings approves of her shirt and fan!  I love my school.

Before going to the The Popsicle Reveal, I delivered Popsicle heaven to the ladies at the 2014 ACS Cheerleading Camp.  I made two trips and I had a blast both times.

Cheerleaders are always so happy!

Great choice on the ice cream

Thanks to Mrs. Bennett for inviting me again this year. 

After leaving the ACS cheerlading camp, we headed over to Ashford Bed and Breakfast in Watkinsville Ga. This B&B is so awesome.  (Please follow this link to learn more about how this is an awesome place to host an event: http://ambedandbreakfast.com/).  We set up the Popsicle and Popsicle Perks under the tent and waited for people to come and her.  I was super excited.  I was so excited that I offered everyone samples of the items I sell.  I got a lot of great tips. Please see the pics below of the people looking at the Popsicle and tasting my cool popsicles and ice cream pops.

In between serving ice cream and giving tours of the Popsicle, I tried my dunk the owner, Dave Shearon in a water tank, ate some great food by Taziki's, listened to some great music by the Red Oak String Band, and met some old Chamber friends from the past year.  It was an awesome time.

Thanking Those Who Made the Popsicle a Reality
Of course this evening gave me a chance to thank all of the people have supported the me and my dream.  Several of these people showed up.  Please see them in the pictures below.  I also include some pictures of the Sign Bros staff who wrapped the trailer.

Mr. Greg Shumate of Brand Mortgage

Ms. Michele and the ladies of Peach State Federal Credit Union

Doc, Mr. Shumate and Ms. Tammy and Ms. Georgiana

Jason and Josh of Towable Tailgates

Mr. Justin, Brantley, and the staff who helped designed and wrap the Popsicle! Great work guys!

I could go on and on about the Popsicle, but I think I have taken up enough of your time.  Please look for me and the Popsicle around town! Remember #happinessisicecream and You're the Coolest!

Beau

Family & Friends Day at New Grove

The New Grove Baptist Church Family...

...knows how to have fun,  Yesterday, Sunday July 13th was Pastor Washington's 40th marriage anniversary to Mrs. Washington.  And it was also Family & Friends Day at New Grove.  This my Church and I was really excited about bringing the Popsicle to celebration.  The day began with an awesome church service that included our great Mime Team and the outstanding reunion choir.  I prayed, clapped my hands and had an awesome time with my family and church family.  Make sure you join us for July 26th Youth Day Service. It's gonna be great!

My family and I just after service.  We had a great time worshiping together with our New Grove family!

After service we went outside to start serving up happiness! I am so grateful for this opportunity to not only bring the Popsicle to New Grove, but this is also a fundraiser for the NGBC Educational and Community Services, Inc.  It feels good to give back especially to your church!

She knows exactly what she wants! 

Making your friends smile is a great feeling!

So many choices!

Pastor Washington is the Coolest!

The Popsicle Project

What and Who is the Popsicle?

The Popsicle is name of my awesome new trailer that I use for large festivals and events with a lot of people.  Just a few months ago she was sitting in our yard collecting dust and leaves.  She used to belong to mom.  She used for projects and businesses that she setup for her students in her entrepreneurship classes.  She had not been using it for about 3 or 4 years and was trying to sell it.  I asked if I could have to turn it into a dream ice cream machine.  She thought it was a great idea so she let me have it. She told me that I would have make the money to fix it up.  I started calling her the Popsicle - because  I knew when I fixed her up, she would make my sales POP! A LinkedIn connection and family friend suggested that I try to raise the money by setting up a crowd funding campaign through Indiegogo.  My mom asked me if I wanted to do it and I said yes. She warned me that we might not raise the entire $5,000, but I told her whatever we raised would help.

The Popsicle Project - by Beau Shell Click here to see video)

The Popsicle before she was remodeled. I was so happy my parents let me have her. 

By the end of the campaign, I had raised $3,169 of the $5,000 I was seeking. That was enough to go ahead with fixing up the Popsicle.  I needed her to be ready by June 14th.  This was the date of my first big event, Hot Corner Festival.  My parents picked her up from Jason Green, owner of Towable Tailgates, on the morning of June 14th (just in time for the festival).  We drove the trailer straight to the festival and I waited with her.  Please see the pictures from that day below.  We had an awesome time at the Hot Corner Festival. I learned about the history of African American businesses and entrepreneurs from Athens. I ate the best food ever, and I got a chance to hear some great music.  I hope to take the Popsicle back to Hot Corner Festival next year. Thanks to Dr. Tawana Mattox and Mr. Homer Wilson for letting me come.

My first time ringing the bell on the Popsicle. Best day of my life! Can't believe she is actually here.

My cousins can't believe the Popsicle is actually here! They are amazed!

Ready to work at the Hot Corner Festival.  Waiting on the ice cream and signs.

My brother Rock and Turtle helping me and hanging out at the Hot Corner Festival. 

Serving our customers!

Dr. McRae, my dentist, stopped by for a cool treat!

Since the Hot Corner festival the Popsicle has been very busy. Her next event, Athfest, was the very next weekend. Athfest was another great place for awesome music, kids activities (Kidfest), and great artists.  Athfest was a 3-day festival and the Popsicle had to stay overnight, but some very nice police officers watched over her and other tents both nights.  The second day of the Athfest was so busy because it was Kidfest.  We sold out of just about everything! It was great ice cream weather.  We made more signs for the Popsicle and signs so people would know it was me. I had an awesome time meeting new people and working with my family.  The Popsicle made it possible for me serve a whole lot of people because she can hold a lot of ice cream.  My family made it possible for me to have fun and feel loved while doing it.

Ready for business! Malia rings the bell

My favorite as of yesterday!

This is where I belong. I don't understand why Mom will not let me sleep in the Popsicle!

My doggie ice cream is always a hit!

My classmate from Athens Christian School

My grandmas hung in there with me all night. She's the coolest Grandma ever!

I know how it feels to want more than one!

Family is awesome!

Dad and Mom, my biggest fans and supporters.  

Out of town visitors. They came all the way from Atlanta to Athfest!

Work selfies with my brother Rock and cousin Malia!

The whole family before we left Athfest. Everyone worked hard to make sure everything went well.  

The most recent event that the Popsicle worked was the 4th of July Fireworks at Georgia Square Mall.  This was the first event where the Popsicle had her wrapped graphics, which were produced and installed by Sign Bros.  We were working so hard on the 4th that we hardly took any pictures.  We got in a few at the end.

Serving the last customer of the night.  I worked so hard the whole day. I never had so much fun in my life.

Last picture before we close up the Popsicle for the night!

Met a fellow entrepreneur, Frankie of Fast Frankie Lemonade. He gave me a lot of great advice about never giving up on my dreams. 

As you can see the Popsicle has been busy.  I am glad I asked my parents to let me have her. I knew she had potential.  Her official reveal is next Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, Ga.  Check out the invite on the right side of the blog.