Two 13-year-old girls have not only started their own business, but they are now using it as a tool to help raise money for Chatham-Kent Children's Services (CKCS) through an initiative that encourages people to be kind.
Bailey Rickman and Ashley Sanderson of Dawn-Euphemia Township have been friends since kindergarten and decided to start The Towel Co. Shop in July 2020 as a way to keep occupied and possibly do some good.
"It all started because we had this crazy idea of wanting to brighten up people's lives so we started hand-dying towels on our back decks," said Sanderson. "Then we started creating Instagram posts and Facebook posts and then word started to spread about us."
Now that the two have built a platform through social media, they have decided to start an initiative to benefit CKCS and raise awareness on anti-bullying. In recognition of Pink Shirt Day, the two have decided to sell #teamkind shirts where $5 from every shirt sold will go toward the local organization.
"We wanted to find a way to come together to spread awareness for anti-bullying and we wanted to find a good organization that we could help," said Sanderson.
Rickman said the two are active within the Chatham-Kent community and know that some of heir peers benefit from CKCS.
The adult #teamkind shirts cost $25 and child shirts are $20. Rickman said orders will be taken until February 8. As of Friday evening, over 100 #teamkind shirts have been sold. Orders can be placed by emailing thetowelcoshop@gmail.com or contacting them via social media. Socially distanced pick-ups will be arranged for areas in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia, and Dawn-Euphemia.
Sanderson said this is the first big initiative the two have taken on but hope to help many other organizations in the future.
CKCS Executive Director Teri Thomas-Vanos said they were very excited to have Rickman and Sanderson reach out to the organization, calling them a "great example of community minded leaders".
"At a time when COVID is taking a toll on us all, their #teamkind is a welcome relief. We want to jump on board with pink shirt day, a day to stand up against bullying and shine the light on kindness and togetherness," said Thomas-Vanos in a statement. "As an agency, it is our Mission to strengthen kids and families for a better future. This example of youth led kindness and generosity sets a wonderful example that we can all follow. It is about hope and resilience and caring. We are stronger together. This is the kind of spirit and leadership that is remarkable about youth."
Meanwhile, Sanderson said there are a wide variety of items for sale through The Towel Co. Shop, ranging from hoodies, t-shirts, and scrunchies; all of which are available to view through the company's Facebook and Instagram pages.
The two young ladies said their parents have helped them throughout this process, which in turn has created new opportunities for them.
"We really want to keep going and see how far this company can take us," said Sanderson.
Rickman said they "most definitely" see themselves becoming adult entrepreneurs.
"We are grateful for the support," said Rickman.