Now it's time to pass it down to the next generation. Inspired by the quantity of shells found on the beach after Hurricane Irene, Lachlan opened shop this week to test out the idea. We talked about the importance of helping local organizations, so 10% of his profits will go to the local library since books have always been such an important part of his world. He'll be ready and waiting to greet you when you visit next spring. Who knows, he may even tell you a story just like his Grandfather does!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is about the role Ocracoke played in the earliest English voyages of exploration and colonization in the New World. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112111.htm.
Wonderful post--in so many ways: perpetuating tradition, a sense of community and history, entrepreneurship, civic-mindedness and responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere once, one of those rosters of life lessons, "Always buy from kids," again, to the point that doing so reinforces and validates so many good things, like self-confidence.
Best of luck to Lachlan, and we'll ABSOLUTELY look for his stand next time we visit.
I already have my eye on a decorative bottle of Ocracoke sand. What a great memento! Best wishes to the island's newest business.
does that young man know people spend real money on items for a video game they play. the items purchased enhance their experience . People will spend real money on something for a video game experience. Having said that, how will he engage the buyer? Help me save for my college fund etc. is there a winter tourist season or have the bulk of his potential customers continue to visit? is there a need to shop on line?. Then he would learn valuable marketing skills by copy writing text to sell his products-- perhaps a portion could go to the VC for letting him market from their site. Perhaps a twitter feed could spark interest. packaging promotion price product position(rare highly desirable shells??) good luck remember location location location for the walk by traffic is there a hotel lobby or restaurant he could be near?
ReplyDeleteAhh, the old shell game.
ReplyDeletei was there last week, and had i seen him, i would have purchased all of his scotch bonnets! i'll look for him when we visit in April.best of luck!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of that old childhood tongue twister we used to say very quickly 3 times..."He shall sell seashells by the seashore."
ReplyDeletewe should be out in april and june - hope to see him then!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of coming to camp during Easter week...hope he's not all sold out by then!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Lachlan!
ReplyDeleteDuring our trip to Ocracoke in August, I bought a shell from Aurora (of fig tree lane) at her shell stand. Her grandmother helped her make a sign listing all the prices, and she sold figs as well. Lovely! Best of luck to Lachlan in his entrepreneurial endeavors. :)
ReplyDeleteThe lemonade stand idea Ocracoke style! Lachlan, I suspect you had better collect every seashell you can possibly find because your business is going to be a huge success. Who can refuse buying from you? Not me! This NC Mainlander hopes to see you in the spring!
ReplyDeleteAnd, giving 10% of your "profits" is wonderful. When I was growing up, my folks taught me this very wise lesson: save some, spend some and give some away.