Book sparks Cailen’s small biz

ELEVEN-year-old Cailen Ruck has become a budding entrepreneur after reading a book by best-selling author of The Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape.

Barefoot Kids features fun projects and inspiring stories from 45 children.

The book teaches children how to make and manage money.

“At first after I read Barefoot Kids, I made cupcakes and sold them from a stall at the front of my house,” said Cailen.

“I had great support from people in Heathcote.

“I would make some the night before and again in the morning before setting up a trestle table with a sign.

“Then I decided to look for something different, something that was easy to post and decided on bucket hats. “I found a supplier in China and selected different designs.

“I had $35 in saving to put towards my first order and mum lent me another $35.

“The hats arrived in two weeks and after I sold them, I was able to pay mum back and order some more.”

Cailen’s mother Kate said Cailen has been able to sell to other areas as friends share his Facebook page across the state.

“Over Christmas we went camping and Cailen took an order of new hats and sold them all,” she said.

Cailen said he is aiming to save enough to buy a gaming PC, but his mother said that is still in negotiation.

“We might have to think about that,” she said.

The grade 6 student said the most popular hat design has been one featuring colourful ducks.

“I am also looking at new designs to add to the collection,” he said.

Hats are $10 each with free delivery in Heathcote and $12 postage to other areas. Anyone who would like to buy a hat can contact Cailen through his Facebook page CC’S Hat Lab.