Life is full of colour for Lyla Cole from Rockwood.
The eight-year-old is the face behind Lyla’s Crayon Factory, a small business that uses old and broken crayons to make new ones for anyone feeling crafty and creative.
Since starting this past summer, the Grade 3 student, who also loves to colour, says orders just keep rolling in.
“I saw something about making crayons online with my mom and we thought it looked like fun. So, we went and got an alphabet mould. And that’s how it all started,” Lyla said.
“It’s really fun to be creative, and I really like making people happy.”
Mother Laura Ruth Cole, who operates her own small business, says she was excited to see her daughter eager to take part.
“She wanted to come to one of my vendor markets. I loved that she had shown interest. And so, I thought It would be great for her to have something of her own,” Laura said.
Lyla’s main products are her customized name crayons. She also offers crayon packages in various themes including unicorns, mermaid tails, animals, poop emojis and dinosaurs that are perfect for small gifts, loot bags, party favours and stocking stuffers.
“We sell crayon letters, Christmas trees and snowflakes,” Lyla said.
“With the letters, we make names and put them in separate packs.”
Lyla is also making “25 Days of Crayons” advent calendars for December.
“Just this past week, it seems people are starting to get ready for Christmas shopping. We’ve been getting a lot of orders already,” Laura said.
Lyla’s Crayon Factory uses crayons that are preowned, whether it be old, broken crayons, crayons that are gathering dust when kids outgrow them, or donations from local restaurants.
“We reached out to several restaurants after learning that many of them are required to use a new pack of crayons after each guest, meaning they often end up throwing out tons of crayons that were barely, or not even used,” Laura said
“Since crayons are a petroleum product, they can’t be recycled, so they end up in the landfill. We wanted to have Lyla learn more about environmentally responsible business practices, sustainability, and circular economy.”
So far, Lyla’s Crayon Factory has received donations from Boston Pizza Guelph, Montana’s Guelph, and BeerTown Guelph, as well as many crayons from families in Guelph, Rockwood, and surrounding areas.
Lyla says what’s special about her business, is that it is a family-owned and operated.
But it doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work.
“It’s really evolving as it’s getting busier and busier. Her mom and dad help, and her aunt and uncle. It’s evolving into the whole family getting involved in helping out with the work,” Laura said.
“Lyla has been learning a lot, including math skills and about giving change back when people give her money.”
Lyla’s Crayon Factory can be found on Instagram and on Facebook. Crayons are available at the Rural Roots Artisan Shoppe and Tea Lounge in Rockwood and orders can also be placed via email at [email protected].
Lyla’s Crayon Factory will be attending its very first vendor market on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Stellar Christmas Market at Rockmosa Community Hall in Rockwood.
Laura says Lyla is always accepting crayon donations. Arrangements can be made for pick up, and friends at The Refill Bar in downtown Guelph have also offered to be a crayon drop-off location.
“Lyla’s earnings are going towards activities, programs, and for her education, as well as some fun money for her,” Laura said.
“Since Lyla is just eight years old and her main focus is on school and being a kid, this business has become a family business, with all of us pitching in to help.”
When not selling, making, or colouring with crayons, in her free time, Lyla enjoys skating and horseback riding.
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