We had several students participate this year in Georgia FLEX. This is an amazing program that teaches students about entrepreneurship and financially gives them an opportunity to cover start up costs.
They competed this past Friday at FLEXPO, hosted by Valdosta Mall. This competition consisted of Valdosta City and Lowndes County students selling and/or marketing their products or services to real customers in the center of the mall. After this portion, each student pitched privately to a panel of judges. This allowed them to share what they have done with the money given to them so far and what they plan to use additional funds for if they make it to the next round.
We congratulate Kayla Calloway, founder of KB Skin Soap, for placing 2nd! Kayla was inspired to start her business from her late mother's battle with Lupus as well as her own struggle with eczema. She states on her website, "My mission is to “build confidence one soap bar at a time.” I also strive to choose ingredients with a purpose in mind and to sell my product at a price everyone can afford. I base my business on self-esteem and confidence. For a long time, my skin caused me to have low self-esteem. I feel no one should feel the way I felt about myself."
Kayla and two other competitors will move on to the next round in which she will win between $1,500-$5,000 to further her business. This month, she will continue operating her business and implementing feedback from the Round 2 judges for 5 weeks. She will participate in extensive presentation training and then give her final pitch to a panel of judges and in front of friends, family, and peers.
We also congratulate all contestants for their initiative to make the most of this program's opportunity. Whether they continue on to make this their lifetime career or not, they have acquired outstanding leadership skills that will equip them in any career path they choose!