Fifi
Owner: Sophia, age 11 Products: Origami crane earrings,
knitted animals, molded crayons
Sophia, whose nickname is Fifi, built her business of the same name around her artistic expression. Though her initial focus was on origami crane earrings, for which she won a 2019 Oklahoma State Fair blue ribbon, she’s continued to expand and grow her business with new product offerings. The creative tween will be in sixth grade at Summit Middle School in Edmond, where she gives a portion of her proceeds to the Kindness Club, founded by a friend who passed away. Sophia’s close-knit family enjoys both creating and serving their community together, Sophia’s mom Lingchu laughingly recalling a toilet paper pendant necklace made as a tribute to the family’s COVID-19 quarantine. The pandemic also prompted Sophia’s latest commitment to donate to OU Children’s Hospital through Fifi. What’s been your favorite product to make? Sophia: My crane earrings. I saw the earrings in the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and just followed the design of the crane. They are all different sizes and no crane is the same. What’s so special to you about origami? Sophia: It’s like I am at peace when I am making it. Each little crane becomes part of someone or something bigger.
What’s been the most fun? Sophia: The best part is creating new things. What advice do you have for other kids wanting to start a business? Sophia: Figure out what your merchandise is going to be, then figure out an allowance for getting supplies and then how much they are going to cost [to sell]. What are you proudest of about your business and yourself in being an entrepreneur? Sophia: I’m proud of myself for stepping into the light. I’m not a big people person and I don’t even know the people who are coming up to buy things [at craft fairs]. I think I’m more confident. I’m proud that I
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make my products by hand. What’s next for Fifi?
Sophia: At first I just had crane earrings, then I started making molded crayons and now I am starting to do string art and getting into carpentry. I’m thinking about setting up a website, too.
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Learn more about these super kids, including their best business advice for other kid-prenuers, at metrofamilymagazine.com/episode-9 .
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