Carson Cook’s Sugar Shack will be one of the lemonade and cupcake stands return this Friday at Mountain Valley Bank. Niki Turner Photo
MEEKER | What says “summer” more than lemonade and cupcakes? Answer: kids and summer jobs. Mountain Valley Bank in Meeker is bringing back its Lemonade and Cupcake Stand event for a second year, with young entrepreneurs from last season returning and new ones arising.
Carson Cook, daughter of Deloy and Katelin Cook of Meeker and an incoming fourth grader, launched the “Sugar Shack” — a lemonade stand built on a trailer so it can be moved to various sites — last year and successfully turned it into a year-round business venture.
Cook buzzes with ideas for new products, promotions, and business plans and her efforts are paying off. She earned about $7,000 last year, taking her stand to events like the HopeWest cornhole tournament, the farmers markets, Meeker Classic, RBC County Fair, a local track meet, and in December, the annual Pioneers Healthcare Foundation’s Parade of Lights.
What sets the Sugar Shack apart, aside from Cook’s enthusiasm, are the drink pouches she serves her lemonade in instead of cups. Filling the pouches, she said, is one of the hardest parts of the job, but it has become a signature item. When she wanted to add ice cream to her product list, she used her profits to buy her own freezer, and collaborated with the Lions Club to sell candy and with Blanco Cellars. And she gave back to the community, too, hosting a lemonade party for residents at the Walbridge Wing.
Along with being able to “count money back” (make change) for her customers, Cook has learned about the trial and error that comes with being a small business owner. “We tried hot cocoa at the Parade of Lights,” Cook said. “It didn’t go so well.” Neither did sales of S’mores cones. “We only sold two.”
Undeterred, this year she’s adding limeade to her product line, and creating a business page on Facebook. She may be hiring her first employee this year, too, a sure sign of business growth.
Asked about her favorite aspect of being in business for herself, Cook replied without hesitation, “Making money and watching the other stands.” One of those other stands will be operated by her younger brother this year, ensuring some healthy business and sibling competition.
Check out the Sugar Shack, and all the other lemonade and cupcake stands manned by kids ages 5-12, this Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Mountain Valley Bank (400 Main St.)
BY NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
