Kelsy: “I’m ten and Esmerelda is 12. Our parents are friends and we’ve been best friends since we were little. We love coming to Flourish. It is a place to be yourself and no one judges you. I’ve learned you can be sweet to others even if they aren’t sweet to you. Just because people say things doesn’t mean they are true.

Virtual school is hard. The teachers give more attention to the students in the class than those of us who are computers. She can’t see us and what we’re doing. Our faces are on the smartboard and the students in class can see us the whole time. It’s so awkward. In virtual school, you get distracted by your siblings, cats and dogs. My cat, CoCo, is going to have kittens any day now.”

Esmerelda: “While I was at home, I started making collars for my dog. Her name is Stella and she is the first dog I’ve had. Kelsey liked the idea and started making collars for her cat. I use ribbon and material and make them on a sewing machine. I had so much fun making the collars that I started selling them. I am saving the money I make for college tuition. I want to be an orthodontist and help people feel better about themselves.”

Kelsy: “I want to be a vet when I grow up. I’m saving my money for vet school. It makes me feel good to have a business being sweet to animals. I put messages in my bags with the collars that say, ‘Thank you for your purchase.’ Grownups are very nice supporting kids trying to have their own business.”

You can buy the collars here: https://www.flourishal.com/shop