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Katie Whiteley, a Central Park resident and sixth grader at McAuliffe International School, is hoping to raise money for local animal shelters through her business Lily Grey. By participating in the YouthBiz Marketplace, she’s selling her products directly to consumers looking to shop small this holiday season.
Katie Whiteley, age 11, designs and sews colorful bags through her business Lily Grey. Customers looking to “shop small” this holiday season can find her products at the online YouthBiz Marketplace November 27-December 6.
(photo courtesy of Katie Whiteley)
Business Lily Grey sells colorful bags that Katie designs and sews herself. For Katie, sewing is both artistic and philanthropic. “I love the way that fabric feels and the joy I get from happy colors,” said Katie in a recent interview. “I want to share that joy with people through the things I make.” Katie plans to donate part of her sales this year to local animal shelters.
In the two years since she started Lily Grey, Katie has made dozens of bags which she has sold to family and friends. She hopes to reach even more shoppers through the YouthBiz Marketplace, which is open online from November 27 through December 6. Young Americans Center for Financial Education hosts the event every year to provide young people with real-life experience in entrepreneurship and business ownership.
