4-year-old entrepreneur brings candy machines to local businesses
RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI)– At just four years old, one local entrepreneur is already learning the basics of running a business, one piece of candy at a time.
With help from mom and dad, four-year-old Emree Eddy has started putting candy machines inside local businesses, giving customers a quick sweet treat while learning about money, responsibility and communication.
"I saw this TikTok of a mom who saved up money and bought her kitchen candy machine," Emree's mom, Britni Eddy said, "And then all till she was 18 years old they saved up all the money and she was able to buy herself a first car."
That idea stuck with Britni. About a month later, she spotted an opportunity online.
"I saw on Facebook somebody was selling like ten candy machines... And I was like, we're doing it!" Britni said, "At first I asked em, I said, 'Is it something you're interested in?' And she was so for it... she was so excited."
The machines are more than just filling them up with candy, Emree's parents hopes this journey will teach her lifelong lessons on financial responsibility.
"I think, making sure that she has fun and enjoys it, because if you enjoy what you're doing, it's not nearly as hard to do the job, but also life lessons like finances for sure, knowing how to operate a profit and loss," Emree's dad, Rowdie Eddy said.
Even with their help, Emree watches her parents every step of the way, from measuring candy to cleaning the machines.
But for the sales pitch, it's all Emree, and she goes into local businesses and simply asks if she can put a candy machine in their store.
The skills Britni and Rowdie wants to teach Emree at a young age is beyond financial literacy, they also want to teach her communication skills and the challenges that life will throw at her.
"I think the biggest thing that we want [Emree] to know is failure is a natural part of life. And how you adapt and move on from failure is huge," Rowdie said, "And little things like this, especially at her age, like there's a chance at some places she'll fail at, she won't do so well and we just adapt and move on."
The following locations are offering, or will soon offer, Emree's candy machines:
- Cafe et Amour, Rigby
- Mamor Martial Arts, Rexburg
- Roots and Boots Dance Hall, Rexburg
- Salon Bri, Rexburg
- Black Belt Academy of Shito-ryu, Rigby
- Exhibition Fades Barbershop, Rexbug
- Delayed Development, Rigby
- Prosper DDA, Rigby
