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Thirteen-year-old entrepreneur sets up a compelling roadside destination in Lanark, offering a berry-laden business

In the vicinity of Hope Town on Highway 511, a modest blue shack has become a bustling spot. This is where the ambitious young entrepreneur spends her spare time during summer and weekends, serving delectable strawberry delights to travelers.

Teenager Sets Up Popular Roadside Berry Stand in Lanark
Teenager Sets Up Popular Roadside Berry Stand in Lanark

Thirteen-year-old entrepreneur sets up a compelling roadside destination in Lanark, offering a berry-laden business

In the picturesque town of Hopetown, nestled on Highway 511, lies Élaine's Berry Boutique, a summer destination for locals and passersby alike. This vibrant establishment, founded by 14-year-old Elaine Fuller before 8th grade, has become a beacon of entrepreneurship and resilience.

Elaine, who has been demonstrating her entrepreneurial skills since she was seven, selling toys from her driveway, has transformed this humble berry boutique into a thriving business. Her parents, Dominique and Scott, work behind the scenes as her employees, lending a hand in the kitchen or managing the boutique's social media.

The berry boutique offers a delightful array of locally-grown, organic treats. Fresh local strawberries, chocolate toppings, vegetables, frozen treats, baked goods, and natural sweeteners are just a few of the delights that await visitors. The boutique has gained a reputation for its quality produce and has become a favourite spot for those seeking a taste of the season's freshest offerings.

Elaine's journey, including her struggles with school due to her learning disabilities, has been a long one. She has dyslexia and a severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but these challenges have not deterred her from pursuing her dreams. Instead, they have fuelled her determination to show her schoolmates and other children with learning disabilities that any dream is within their reach.

Elaine enjoys interacting with customers and meeting new people at the boutique. Her father mentioned that a coffee producer is creating a chocolate-flavoured coffee under Elaine's brand, a testament to her growing influence in the local community.

As the season comes to an end, Elaine plans to transition her berry boutique business online to sell non-perishable items. The Facebook page for Élaine's Berry Boutique is a hub of activity, where customers can keep up-to-date with the latest offerings and news. The boutique remains open on Fridays and Saturdays until mid-October or the onset of cold weather.

Elaine hopes that her success will inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face. She is a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, hard work, and a little bit of berry magic.

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