WALDORF, Md. — The pitches are done and the trophies have been handed out, and Waldorf’s youngest entrepreneurs have something to show for it. Saturday’s 7th Annual Youth Shark Tank Kidpreneur Competition & Family Fun Festival turned the Shops at Waldorf Center into a mix of business showcase and neighborhood festival, with kids running the booths and families filling in the rest.
Kids and teens from all over Charles County set up shop, hawked their goods and — for the brave ones — stepped up to pitch their businesses in front of a panel of community judges. Booths were stacked with hand-painted signs, homemade crafts and products the kids had clearly spent weeks putting together, and parents crowded the aisles with their phones out, watching their kids work a crowd for the first time. Standing in front of a panel of adults and explaining a business is not easy at any age, but plenty of them did it anyway.
And The Winners Are…
Both first-place winners took home $4,125 apiece, with the total climbing throughout the event thanks to community sponsors.
First Place
- 12 & Under: K Mill Art — In the 12 & Under category, K Mill Art took the top prize. The young artist said his winnings will go toward donating to an art program in the local school system.
- 13 & Up: Prevailesca Productions — In the 13 & Up category, Prevailesca Productions took first place. The business offers graphic design, website design and videography, with the goal of helping small businesses get professional marketing without paying high production costs. More information is available on the company’s website.
Second Place
- 12 & Under: Ari’s Treat — Ari’s Treat took second place with a lineup of fresh juices and carrot-aide drinks inspired by Caribbean flavors. The stand offered a handful of flavors, and attendees said the drinks were a hit on a hot afternoon.
- 13 & Up: Dance For Shelter — Dance For Shelter took second place in the 13 & Up category. The business, founded by 13-year-old dancer Kennadi Martinez, uses dance performances and events to raise money and awareness for families facing housing insecurity, with proceeds benefiting Maryland shelters including St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth & Families and Annapolis Lighthouse.
Manager’s Choice
- 12 & Under: Ryan’s Masterpieces — Ryan’s Masterpieces earned the Manager’s Choice award in the 12 & Under category. The young artist displayed a favorite piece from a larger collection of original work.
- 13 & Up: Cookie Lipz — Cookie Lipz, owned by Brooke, took Manager’s Choice in the 13 & Up category. The business, which expanded since last year’s festival, impressed judges with fresh ingredients and homemade lip glosses and lip scrubs.
A Full House Of Young Talent
Beyond the top winners, the festival was packed with young vendors showing off a wide range of businesses. Jewelry makers set up alongside kids selling homemade gummies and Bakie Cups, while others offered lawn care and cleaning services. The Dip Show brought specialty recipes to learn and have fun; DJ Jax competed as a youth vendor and also provided entertainment throughout the day, spinning music for events across the county through his business, hefbeats.com, and Karsyn’s Kitchen sold homemade spice blends the young owner creates with his grandmother. Senior Cyber Alert, a youth-run business helping seniors stay safe from scams online, was also on hand with information on its cyber-safety plans for older adults. The variety and talent on display made for an inspiring afternoon across the board.
Organizers gave a big shoutout to the panel of judges who showed up and gave their time despite the sweltering summer heat, calling it one of the toughest jobs of the day — second only to the kids brave enough to pitch. Sorting out winners among so many talented young entrepreneurs was no small feat. This year’s judges included:
- Edith Patterson, Maryland State Delegate
- Commissioner President Reuben Collins, Charles County
- Dr. Navarro, Superintendent, Charles County Public Schools
- Nevery Berry, owner, Minuteman Press Waldorf
- J. Caprice Brown, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation
- Kim Mason, European Wax Center
- Cassie Stillwell, Shore United Bank
- Dee Sapp, CEO and founder, Accessibility Bridge Corporation
- Dottery Butler-Washington, Charles County School Board
- Tamika Chance, T12 Technologies
- Andrea Sanford, Center for Children
- Dyotha Rene’ Sweat, Sweat Enterprises
- Jessica Jennings, The BayNet
- Jamaur Law, Jamaur Law Foundation
- Lucretia Freeman-Buster, Charles County Economic Development
In a surprise moment at the close of the festival, Maryland State Delegate Edith Patterson recognized Thomas for her work organizing the event year after year to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs.
There is more to come — organizers said a full recap spotlighting every participating youth business is on the way, so keep an eye on the Shops at Waldorf Center’s page for that follow-up post.
With this much talent, heart and hustle on display, it is safe to say Charles County cannot wait to see what next year’s Youth Shark Tank brings.
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