Nominated By:  Paula Brenner and Terri Peters

Whiz Kid's Name: Kelly Brenner

Whiz Kid’s Age: 11

Whiz Kid's School: Benfield Elementary 

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Kelly makes and sells her reversible "Boo Bags" totes to family, friends and at local school craft fairs.

Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness:  In her submission entry, proud mom Paula Brenner shared how her daughter started her side business: 

“Kelly “Boo” Brenner started making bags in May 2008 after learning how to sew a tote bag at her Girl Scouts meeting. She spent some gift money on a sewing machine and, using bits of material mum had left over from a curtain fiasco, she started making bags. Kelly does all the sewing of the bags (mum helps with cutting and pinning).”

“Kelly gives bags as gifts and sells to neighbors, friends and family. She also sells her bags at school craft fairs. The bags are very versatile. You can use the bags as a purse, a travel bag, a beach/pool bag, a diaper bag, a tote bag.  The possibilities are endless. All bags are reversible. They have poly-propylene handles that are strong and easy to clean. Most materials used are cotton or polyester,” notes Brenner.

Kelly is learning about finance basics as she manages her business expenses.  She spends half of her earnings on supplies, applies a fourth of her earnings for savings and gets to spend the rest.

Patch contributor Terri Peters spotted the bags recently and offered this review:  “I actually bought one and I am so impressed with the quality, being a sewer myself. I am also so impressed with her determination and her drive - I don't know many 11 year-olds with a side business!”

For more information on Kelly’s “Boo Bags”, contact Paula Brenner at gpbrenner1@aol.com.

Do you know a Whiz Kid?  To have your Whiz Kid included on Patch, nominate them here!