T & C Totes and Carry-Alls

Callie Orizotti and Tyanna Baker are the owners and operators of the business "T&C Totes and Carry-Alls." Both girls are PACE students in the 5th grade and both are taking Home Ec as one of their non-core classes. Boy, is that ever paying off!

Here's how it happened: the girls received sewing machines last year when they were 10 years old. While learning to sew, they decided to form a business to earn their own money. They began sewing in January with an eye toward an October craft bazaar. At first they made only one tote bag per day. As they learned to use their machines and gained confidence, they sewed faster and better. A month before the bazaar they could complete a bag in half an hour. Most of their totes are lined and many are reversible. When the craft bazaar rolled around, they had approx. 50 bags to sell. They nearly sold out, and also walked away with a dozen special orders. Their bags sell for $10-$20 each.

They donated 20% of their gross receipts to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Personally, I am impressed with their skills and their generosity, but I really think their ability to stay focused on an event ten months into the future was the most impressive aspect of this venture considering their ages.