January 28 , 2021 The Beacon • 5
Coshocton eighth-grader starts Mini Mixer business
By Josie Sellers
The COVID-19 pandemic might have forced Ashley Bryant to miss her normal holiday tradition with family , but it also led her to a new business venture after a fun time at home with them .
“ Usually , the weekend of Thanksgiving , she and her nanny and her daughter and my oldest go to ‘ The Nutcracker ,’” said Valeree Bryant , Ashley ’ s mother . “ They ’ ve done it for 14-plus years . It ’ s their routine , but because of COVID it was canceled . They still wanted to get together and do something though .”
They started out making bird feeders and then moved on to making drink mixes . It was jokingly suggested Ashley Bryant should start selling the mixes , and she ended up following through with the idea . The 14-year-old Coshocton High School eighth-grader is now the operator of a new business called Mini Mixer .
Submitted
Coshocton High School eighth-grader Ashley Bryant started her own business called Mini Mixer .
“ I found an old recipe book my nanny had from years and years ago and started looking through the recipes ,” Ashley Bryant said . “ I thought we could give
the mixes out as little gifts .”
Valeree Bryant said Ashley based the mixes off of the recipes but has a secret ingredient . She also has different
flavors to change the mixes up .
Ashley Bryant ’ s current mixes include Peppermint Hot Coco , Original Hot Coco , Peppermint Coffee , French Vanilla Coffee , Caramel Coffee , Hazelnut Coffee and Cinnamon French Toast Coffee .
“ My favorite is the original hot chocolate because that ’ s the one with the special ingredient ,” she said .
When the word got out about Ashley Bryant ’ s business , the orders took off . “ I did 50 plus in one day ,” she said . “ I had to stay organized . It wasn ’ t what I expected , but it ’ s been so fun to do .”
Valeree Bryant said to make the process easier , they figured out they could make big containers of the basic coffee and coco mix and add to it .
“ We had to figure things like that out along the way ,” Valeree Bryant said . “ She keeps a binder with her orders , so she knows what
day she did what , who ordered and who payed . She also keeps track of her bank statements and deposits . It hasn ’ t been a big expense so far with using the mini mason jars .”
Ashley Bryant plans to offer different specials throughout the year . “ Jan . 31 is National Hot Chocolate Day , so I ’ m going to do a special on that day and for different holidays like Valentine ’ s Day and St . Patrick ’ s Day ,” she said . “ In the summer time , I might try a smoothie mix .”
Valeree Bryant said they also are looking into being able to ship Ashley ’ s products .
“ We ’ ve had people ask , so we are looking into jars that aren ’ t breakable ,” Valeree
CLUB or
MEETING
Bryant said .
Ashley Bryant has a Facebook page for her business , and they are looking into setting up an email and Instagram or website . For right now , orders can be emailed to Valerie at bryant33 @ roadrunner . com . One jar of mix is $ 3 , or you can order two for $ 5 . Each jar makes two drinks .
“ It ’ s really fun ,” Ashley Bryant said . “ I like helping the community and knowing I ’ m giving them something they will enjoy .”
In addition to homemade drink mix , Ashley Bryant ’ s customers also get uniquely decorated jars . “ I personalize the tags and decorations on the jars ,” she said . “ Not one is exactly the same . They are all different .”
SEND US YOUR
NEWS ! jsellers @ alonovus . com
Thank You to everyone that sent me over 100 cards in celebration of my birthday !
BF-00502939
Thank You !
-Dot Bickel
BF-00503165
Happy
93 rd Birthday
Bob Clark Help Celebrate With a Card Shower on his birthday , February 3rd , 2021 .
Please send all cards to
80 Zero Street , Lot 30 Coshocton , OH 43812
Menu
A KNO-HO-CO-ASHLAND CAC SERVICE
FEBRUARY SOUP
Ham & Bean
11AM-1PM
Take out only , includes crackers - $ 3.00 each
Salads Available Choice of Toppings & Dressings
MONDAY , FEBRUARY 1
Meatloaf , Cheesy Mashed Potatoes , Buttered Corn , Apricots , Dinner Roll & Milk
TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 2 Grilled Chicken & Pasta w / Alfredo Sauce , California Blend Vegetables , Baked Apples , Tossed Salad w / Dressing , Breadstick & Milk
THURSDAY , FEBRUARY 4
Ham Salad on Bun , Cream of Broccoli Soup , Carrot Salad , Diced Peaches , Milk
FRIDAY , FEBRUARY 5 Pizza Burger on Bun , Tater Tots , Coleslaw , Blueberry Cobbler , Milk
PICK-UP MEALS AVAILABLE BY RESERVATION . PLEASE CALL 740-622-4852 IF YOU ARE OVER 60 AND NEED ASSISTANCE .
740.622.4852 | 201 Browns Lane , Coshocton | Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm To access ingredient content , please call Bud Moore 740.622.4852
BF-00502774