Bethlehem sixth grader and business owner Kadin Collins, 11, is turning her love of beauty and creativity into a growing brand, and now, a $1,000 scholarship.
Kadin, founder of KraftzByKadin, was one of four metro Atlanta students to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, a national nonprofit that teaches business and leadership skills to kids ages 5 to 17 to launch and grow their own businesses. Her line of kid-safe, all-natural lip glosses and pet-safe paw balm has become a favorite at local events.
She plans to use her scholarship winnings to expand her business through marketing, new products and lip gloss parties — hands-on gatherings where kids can make their own gloss with custom colors and flavors.
“My favorite part about running my business is making my own money,” Collins said. Her favorite flavor is watermelon, a light pink gloss that reflects her upbeat, youthful aesthetic.
Kadin said her mom, who also runs a business, has been her biggest inspiration. “I look up to my mom because she has her own business and I wanted to create one too,” she said.
Collins’ business specializes in all-natural, kid-safe lip gloss and pet-safe paw balm, products inspired by her love for skincare, makeup and animals. She said she plans to use the award to build inventory, expand marketing and test new products.
When she’s not managing KraftzByKadin, Collins enjoys gymnastics, hanging out with friends, and attending markets and festivals. She’ll have booths at the Parkview Fall Festival on Nov. 1 and the Children’s Entrepreneurs Market in Winder on Nov. 8 from 12–3 p.m.
Kadin said her mission goes beyond selling lip gloss, she believes in self-care and uplifting others, empowering kids to feel confident while learning about entrepreneurship.
“We’re incredibly proud of these young entrepreneurs,” said Lynée Fife, Executive Director of the organization. “Each of these kids have shown an impressive ability to think like an entrepreneur, identifying problems, creating solutions, and putting in the work to make it happen. These scholarship winners have set a remarkable standard for what young innovators can achieve.”
The Children’s Entrepreneur Market gives young people the chance to learn business fundamentals through hands-on sales and community events, offering a platform to “earn, learn and grow” while developing confidence and creativity.