One day as I was mowing the lawn, I had an idea for the perfect business for Dalanie. Since she already owned a sno cone maker, we decided to utilize it. And since the most consistent traffic during the summer happens on Tuesday night when kids are going to scouts, achievement days, and mutual, we decided to capitalize on it. Thus, Sno Cone Tuesday were born.
It might sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of play, but by the end of the night on Tuesdays she was exhausted. She often commented how tired her feet were from being on them for 4 hours straight.
She learned a thing or two about running a business. Before the season started, we went to a store in Pocatello that sells the cups, straws, and flavors. She took her wallet and stocked up on supplies. It wasn't much fun spending $30 when she was supposed to be making money. But it sure was nice to have the supplies free and clear when the money did start coming in.
It was almost comical the common questions that people would ask. We practiced a response for a commonly asked question "How much money have you made?"
Her response "That's the first rule of business, you don't tell people how much money you make."
People also wanted to know "where do you get your supplies? " It always bothered her, but we made most of them so it wasn't too big of a deal. People also wanted to know "what are you earning money for?" I guess since she is a kid, people figured it was fair game.
I can't remember the last time I paid for goods and services and asked the person what they were going to use the money for. When you're 8 and have to start buying your own school clothes and want things your mom and dad won't buy for you, there is as legitimate a need for money as for an adult.
It was a bit of a task to set up shop. I helped all along, but in the end she had it down to a science. We had to pull the stand out in the front yard to set up shop @ 5:00 pm. Signs had to go up by the road. A cooler, extension cord, speaker, and table were taken out front. There was ice, ice cream, and flavors to be toted out as well. And then waiting. . . for customers. A few times she would use my phone to send out texts to her friends and neighbors.
But they did come! Dalanie had wonderful support. Cousins, grandparents, friends, and neighbors all showed up. Some nights were bigger business than others. But consistency was key. Some nights she didn't want to set things up, but if people can't count on you, they'll quit coming.
Her brother and sisters were by far her biggest consumers of sno cones. Sometimes they worked it off, other times they paid for them, and more often than not Dalanie would just give them to them. Especially if great big crocodile tears were concerned.
A few of her top selling flavors included peach/mango with icecream, cotton candy, and rootbeer.
It was rewarding to see her take ownership. She had a bucket and rags to keep things wiped down. She put out a tip jar and continually wanted to add to her lineup of flavors.
But more than anything I was impressed by her generosity. One of her favorite things to do was to give away a punch card for free sno cones or make them for the boys when Hudson got dropped off from scouts. Tithing was always the first thing she took out. And out of the money she did spend, most of it was for someone else. A treat for the girls, popcorn for the family at the movie, or craft supplies for a playdate with her friends. I'm grateful for her example.
There were a few times that we butted head over the sno cone stand and a few times that I threatened to shut it down. But time has passed and those heated moments have faded away and I am left with a beautiful, quintessential summer memory of a little girl. A little girl learning and growing, developing confidence, and filling our front yard with music and laughter and friends.
