CHIONE MAGAZINE Special Edition Issue 'Prosperity' | Page 26

When I first started my business, I was very shy and really had no voice.

I was not confident, and couldn’t even talk to small groups without

looking down. Now, I have spoken in front of over 3,000 people. Now,

this took time and hard work! I had to push past my fear and

insecurities of messing when I was talking to people. I was also afraid

that adults would not take me seriously or think my paintings were

valuable. Even now some adult think why would I pay hundreds of

dollar for artwork made by a kid, but I had to learn how to overcome my fears about my business and those that see my worth pay $300-500 for my original art. I overcame my fear of public speaking by practicing and taking in front of more and more people. This year, I had the opportunity to speak at the Martin Luther king Jr breakfast were over 4,000 people. This was a televised event broadcasts to thousands!

Balancing school and my business is not always easy. I ship my art all

over the USA and get orders weekly. I also do illustrations for authors and have to meet deadlines so that I do not slow down their book publications. I also understand that being in high school are important years and I must keep my grades as and GPA stellar to get into a great college on scholarship. My parents always remind me of the importance of maintaining superior school transcripts.

I also have to remember that kids all over the world are looking at me and I am a role model for many. While Camryn’s Creations is painting

business but my parent told me in everything you do you must give

back. Since I started my business, I wanted to find a way to give back to

others in need, so I searched and searched to find the right cause to

donate a portion of profit to. One day, I was talking to a close friend of mine who’s family was from Africa, and he was telling me about how

bad it is in Africa for the orphans who’s parents have died because of

the Ebola virus and can not afford to go to school and have no one to

take care of them. When he told me this I knew what to donate to. I

started giving 15% of my profits to orphans in Liberia and started a

backpack drive for the youth in my community. I have been able to

bless so many through my business and plan to visit Africa soon to give

even more. While having a business is hard work, it is absolutely worth