At 2 p.m., preparations begin. The sweet aroma of freshly cleaned strawberries fills the air, mingling with the warm scent of melted chocolate and vanilla. With an order just hours away, the hard work involved in crafting the perfect product begins.

“When I first started, I didn’t even see my business as a business, but just something for fun,” senior Madison Kendrick said. “But now that I’ve had it for 4 years I think, my perspective has changed a lot.”

Throughout high school, Madison has balanced running her dipped strawberries and treats business with her studies.
“Before I started I knew I was all over the place,” Kendrick said. “I never really had a school, I was always running around, and now with my small business I’m able to learn how to manage my time better. If I need to order something, I know I need to order it today.”

Advertising presents challenges for small businesses, but Kendrick utilizes various strategies to promote her work.
“I think the most successful strategy I’ve used so far is going out and doing vendor events, like going to Grandscape

and school events,” Kendrick said. “Also clubs have helped as well. Like BSU having their BSU showcase, I was able to promote.”Kendrick’s mother, Angelena Pointer, saw Kendrick’s talent and passion for making treats and took on the role of her advisor.
“ She is a very creative person and this gives her an opportunity to be creative and earn money for something she’s very good at,” Pointer said. “It’s a bit challenging to offer guidance without being too critical as I’m a creative person as well, so I have to be mindful of that and let her explore her own thoughts and ideas while supporting her.”
Her dedication to both her craft and personal development has given her a new appreciation for small businesses.
“Now I have a higher level of respect for small businesses and owners, and want to learn from them,” Kendrick said. “[My business] also taught me skills like handling money and customer service.”
Kendricks appreciation for the intricacies of running a business has sparks of her own.

“I think my long term goal is to maybe own my own bakery one day when I’m old and super wrinkly,” Kendrick said. “Maybe just me and my partner run it together, and not force my kids into it, unless they want to. I think I would be content owning like one to three bakeries.”