BUFFALO, NY- This week's "Great Kid" is a Buffalo teen who not only owns her own business, but who also inspires others to do the same.
When 15-year-old Madison Wagstaff makes her own jewelry, she's doing much more than just stringing beads, she's empowering herself.
"I want to create my own empire," the City Honors sophomore said.
She founded Madison's Fabulous Creations in 2009 when she was just 7-years-old, and her business has been a labor of love for her family ever since.
"When she came to us and said she wanted to have her own business, it was just, 'let's do it. Why not you?" said Madison's father, Matthew Wagstaff.
Madison was following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, who both love making jewelry. They never expected her to turn the hobby into what it has become.
"I'm very proud. I've shed tears," said Tiffany Rose, Madison's mother.
Madison combines her creativity with business savvy and focuses on budgeting, marketing, web design and more.
"I think she's learning hard work, grit, being able to stick to something when you start something, importance of relationships, importance of collaboration, networking, being organized, being professional at all times," said Matthew.
Now Madison wants to take those skills she's learned, and pass them along to other future business leaders.
"I love teaching people how to start their own business. put their passion to use. I'm trying to teach them that you can do anything you set your mind to," said Madison. "Also, girl power. You don't need to depend on anybody. You don't need to rely on anybody to get ahead in the future. You can do that yourself."
As part of an International Baccalaureate project at City Honors, she's hosting The Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs Fair next month. The event, Saturday March 3rd, is free to area youth ages 10-17, and is sponsored by Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center. It features two free workshops, motivational speakers, a young entrepreneur panel, and light refreshments. It runs 9am to 1 pm at the EH Butler Library, Room 210, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222. For more information and to RSVP, email MadisonsFabCreations@gmail.com.
Visit Madison's Facebook page here.