ELYRIA, Ohio — Monica Allgood may be young but she’s got big dreams and even more importantly, the will to make them happen. The 9-year-old entrepreneur is blazing a trail and her community is supporting her along the way.
Monica started a lemonade stand, but she has turned it into so much more. The small lemonade stand is now a booming concession stand full of candy, snacks and beverages. She calls it “Feast and Treat.”
Located on Polar Street in Elyria, Monica runs her business in front of her home and her community comes out, loading up on the treats offered at her business, and many times leaving her a tip for her remarkable customer service skills.
“I’m out here every day waving to people, greeting them, making sure that they’re satisfied and making sure that they’re having a great time,” Monica said.
Frank Whitfield, a customer of Feast and Treat, said he’s impressed by Monica’s tenacity and drive.
“I think Monica represents the American Dream,” Whitfield said. “This is how every business starts, with an entrepreneur having a dream and a vision and going for it.”
With her profits, Monica adds products to her concession stand, expanding her supply and increasing her demand.
Monica said her goals are to open a brick and mortar location and perhaps even add mobile units one day.
The 9-year-old is working to make sure that even when things seem bad, there’s someone there to shine a light and remind people of the good in the world.
“Even when it feels like things are going to get worse, just a smile can go a long way, help people out, just make people’s day better,” Monica said.
Her mother, Sabrina Bibby, said that the community has been incredibly supportive and some people have even donated to Monica’s supply.
“That’s not only heartwarming but it shows that not everybody in this world is as bad as people make it out to be,” Bibby said.
Whitfield said he believes Monica and Feast and Treat is exactly what the community needs.
“I think it’s powerful to see her being a force for bringing people together,” Whitfield said. “I think that’s what we need right now, not only in the city but in the country.”
