Coun. Emily Rowley dropped by 10-year-old Millie McQuaid’s Brighton Public Library event, where Millie sold 12 of her ‘Worry Zapper Journals.’
Ten-year-old Millie McQuaid of Brighton is on a mission to help other kids “zap” their worries away by sharing her “Worry Zapper Journal.”
Millie, who’s heading into Grade 6 this September, was one of 21 young entrepreneurs this year who received a grant through the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland’s My Future My Career and Summer Company programs.
The $500 micro grants through the BECN’s My Future My Career program helps kids ages eight to 14 to launch and/or expand their businesses, while also offering young entrepreneurs access to mentorship, business coaching, and more.
Millie said work started on her interactive “Worry Zapper Journal” after she started struggling with some anxiety and a want to help other kids who may be struggling.
Millie’s been selling her journal at local events – she put on one at the Brighton Public Library earlier this month and was among the entrepreneurs at the BECN’s Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase at the Cobourg Staples Wednesday. She’s also set up a dedicated Facebook page to sell her journal locally and has her journal for sale through Amazon, too.
At her Brighton library event, Millie also helped kids make stress balls, set up colouring and fidget stations while delving into her journal and the tips and tricks she shares in it. She sold 12 journals that day and is now more than half-way through her goal of selling 50 this summer.
She said she was surprised at the number of kids who came out for the event.
The grant has helped Millie with publishing/printing costs, and marketing efforts to get the word out about her journal.
“I didn’t really have a budget when I started the journal – I didn’t really do anything (with it) when I started … I just sold it on Amazon and stuff.”
The formal name of Millie’s business is “Worry Zapper Warriors.”
“I’m super proud of Millie – she’s done a really good job,” added mom Amy McQuaid-England, who alongside dad, helps Millie with to run her business, with budgeting, events, et cetera. “She’s grown a lot over the last year …”
Millie says last year she was incredibly shy – and it was difficult to talk to people.
“Now, I can talk to people that I don’t know about my journal and talk about my business and stuff like that …”
People can search out the Worry Zapper Journal online via Amazon and on Facebook – if people are local, they can send a message to the Facebook page and journals can be delivered. Millie will also be at the Birdhouse during Applefest in September with her journals.
The Worry Zapper offers a physical space to put kids’ worries, gratitude journals and tips and tricks to help deal with anxiety, fears and feelings – Millie also hopes it will help kids build confidence and strength.
For kids struggling with anxiety, Millie has a special message to share.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
