Big Ideas from Little Bosses: How WMSA's Kid Entrepreneurs Lit Up the Summer

MiniMarketPlace video from @signaturestylesbybrit

This summer, something truly magical happened in San Antonio.

What started as a simple idea I developed to help Working Moms of San Antonio members stay connected over the summer—while keeping their kids engaged in something meaningful—turned into one of the most joyful, impactful, and community-building experiences we’ve ever seen.

I had the honor of facilitating the program, with help from fellow WMSA moms, and watching it all come to life was one of the highlights of my year.

We called it: Big Ideas from Little Bosses.

Over the course of three hands-on workshops, kids ages 5 and up joined us to dream up their own business ideas, create branding, learn how to price their products or services, and practice talking about what they offer. Then, they brought it all together at the first-ever WMSA Kids Entrepreneur Marketplace, where they sold to real customers—and absolutely blew us away.

From Brainstorming to Business

In Session 1, we explored what makes a business work: products, services, and solving real problems (or just spreading joy!). Some kids came in with ideas ready; others found their spark during the session. From handmade crafts to custom art, plants to snack services, their creativity had no limits.

Session 2 introduced pricing, logos, and marketing. We talked about cost, price, and profit—and for some kids, that was the first time they'd ever done math tied to real-world decisions. They worked on slogans, signs, and how to tell the story of their business in just a few words.

By Session 3, the energy was electric. They practiced their pitches, role-played with pretend customers, and polished up their booths. Brit, one of our co-facilitators, led a fantastic discussion on customer service and what it means to make someone feel welcome. It was all leading up to one big moment...

The Marketplace: A Core Memory in the Making

On Sunday, July 27, the Working Moms of San Antonio space transformed into a bustling mini market full of proud, tiny business owners. Family, friends, and community members showed up ready to support—and shop!

There were dirt cake dessert kits. Potted plants. Beaded jewelry. Tech books written by kid coders. Some kids made signs with glitter; others brought pitch videos they’d recorded at home.

But more than what they sold, it was how they showed up that blew us away. Smiling. Confident. Proud.

We saw real learning come to life: math, communication, resilience, and even a little emotional intelligence.

What the Kids Taught Us

This wasn’t just a teaching experience. It was a learning one—for us, too.

One girl came in ready to sell her homemade peanut butter cups (and they were amazing). But she stopped to think about the heat in late July. Instead of powering through, she made a strategic pivot to cookies—something that would travel better and still satisfy her customers. That’s the kind of market awareness some adults take years to develop.

Another participant, a 12-year-old coder, didn’t sell websites. He wrote a book explaining why other kid entrepreneurs should have one—and how a website represents your business identity. That was a whole masterclass in knowing your audience and using your skills to solve a problem.

A little girl who wanted to sell grilled cheese sandwiches adjusted her pitch. She wasn't just offering food—she was offering lunch to the other young entrepreneurs. She found her niche, and she filled it.

One girl worried she wouldn’t have enough handmade felt animals in time. So she raised her prices (yes!), added tiny accessories like carrots to stretch her inventory, and then—on her own—came up with the idea to sell experiences by teaching others how to make them. A product, an add-on, and a workshop. She created an entire business model in a week.

I could go on. These kids were brilliant. Thoughtful. Creative. And honestly, a little fearless.

I Wasn’t Sure I Was a Kid Teacher

I’ll be honest. When we kicked off that first session, I wasn’t sure I was cut out for this. Within 30 minutes, I was looking around at the joyful chaos, wondering if anything was landing.

But it turns out—they were listening. They were absorbing. And they were absolutely working the plan we laid out by the time the market opened. It reminded me (and maybe this is a parenting tip too) that just because it doesn’t look like they’re paying attention, doesn’t mean they’re not learning. They are.

Why It Matters

This was never just about making money. It was about helping kids find their voice. It was about letting them take ownership of an idea, express themselves, and feel the joy of creating something of their own.

And for the parents? It was a core memory. One they’ll be talking about for years.

What’s Next?

What began as a way to help moms stay plugged in during the summer—and keep kids learning while school was out—grew into something so much bigger. It sparked confidence, creativity, and connection in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

And honestly? I’m so proud of how it ended. Of how these kids showed up. Of how the parents supported them. Of how it felt to be in that room, watching young minds light up and proudly share what they’d built.

We’re already dreaming up what’s next, and we’d love your input.

What would your kids love to learn next?
Drop us a note at hello@workingmomsofsanantonio.com—we’re listening.

If you missed this round, don’t worry—we’re planning a holiday edition with workshops in November and December, leading up to a festive kids’ market.

This was one of the best things we’ve ever done. And we’re just getting started.