At just 18 years old, Rowlett High School senior Tara Davis has already established a foundation for her very own small business. The burgeoning CEO created a detailed business proposal through the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a national after-school program that transforms middle and high schoolers into confident executives. In April, Davis won first place in YEA!’s Investor Panel Event, besting five other high school students and securing $1,100 and a $500 Sam’s Club gift card for her business, Sunshine Pack. Now, this Garland ISD participant is competing for more funding and a chance to advance to nationals at the Saunders Regional Competition May 14-15 in Phoenix.
“I was so excited and grateful when I found out I won first place in April,” Davis said. “I have been rehearsing my speech, going over questions the investors might ask me and reviewing my business plan in preparation for regionals. Ultimately, I am hoping that everyone will leave satisfied and will still want to carry on their businesses no matter what happens. We worked really hard on this and I do not want anything to go to waste.”
Davis will get to tour a Phoenix-based corporation, network with YEA! advisors and complete one last prep session before competition, where she will go head-to-head with dozens of regional students in order to win one of six slots open at nationals.
“This will be one of three regional competitions with more than 85 businesses competing for a national spot,” said Tammy Alexander, YEA! program manager at the Rowlett Chamber of Commerce. “I believe Tara can win at regionals and continue to nationals in Washington, D.C. in June. Tara’s business plan is solid and includes goals for growth.”
Davis’ Sunshine Pack creation encompasses her life goal—to help people.
“I wanted to deliver a comfort pack provided by the hospitals to give children ages three to 10 a more comfortable and reassuring time while they are at the facility,” she explained. “A Sunshine Pack will consist of a stuffed animal, an 8-ounce bottle of water, an inspirational card, a plastic toy stethoscope, a coloring book with the hospital logo to help promote the hospital setting to the child, and a panda or white tiger-designed bag.”
Davis was able to flesh out the details of her comprehensive business model throughout the school year. She and seven other local high school students met from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday from November-May for their weekly YEA! gathering. There, the Eagle was able to learn how to write, develop, organize and perfect her plan with her mentor, Lake Point Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Director Chris Burciaga. Davis’ friend, RHS student Magnolia Espinoza, also helped with visual creative concepts and designed the Sunshine Pack logo.
Although the YEA! program is new to GISD this year, Davis is confident the organization is beneficial to all students, even those who are not interested in starting businesses.
“I learned a lot in this program. I developed better social skills, became aware of professional writing, can now confidently present and speak in front of audiences and just feel more self-assured talking with people of all ages,” Davis stated.
To provide this valuable after-school program to students of all ages, Alexander has already partnered with another district campus—Steadham Elementary School. The YEA! Program Manager recently visited third, fourth and fifth-graders to introduce the organization.
“I am confident that many students will discuss this extraordinary academy with their parents and guardians and apply for the 2015-16 program,” Alexander commented. “Students at Steadham Elementary are well-equipped to succeed in this nine-month program when entering sixth grade as shown through their dedication in student-body activities and hard work.”
And to help shine a bright light on YEA!’s positive impact, Davis plans to launch her company in July—with or without the $4,638 startup costs.
“I want to carry on my business throughout college,” she revealed. “I want to see Sunshine Pack in different industries, such as airlines, child protective services and police departments. My goal is to see it worldwide, and I think I can get there in about 10 years.”
The determined teen hopes to receive a degree in healthcare administration and facility management, with a minor in business, from the University of North Texas.