11 minute read

Young Entrepreneur Autumn Takes the “Kakes”

AUTUMN LY

By Bond Cavazos Realtor® The Bill Denny Group Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. She is just as sweet as the delicious cupcakes she bakes! Autumn Ly is the 14-year-old young entrepreneur and creator of, Autumn Kakes-a baking company. Her love of baking began when she was only 4 years old, when Autumn and her mom baked banana bread together. When Autumn was in fifth grade she and her friends created a baking club after reading a book series about a group of young girls who started their own cupcake club. The members were supposed to take turns baking and selling their cupcakes. They would then split the profits among the club members. When Autumn realized that she was the only one who was actually following through with the club’s plan she decided it would be better to break off on her own. At the end of seventh grade “Autumn Kakes” was officially born. Autumn has a ton of drive and motivation. After speaking with her, one would guess she learned this by the example of her parents. “I was born in Virginia, my Dad was born in Vietnam and he immigrated here to have a better life,” said Autumn. “I have a little brother. I play soccer and violin. I’m the goalie for my travel soccer team. I have two pet fishes and I am also the treasurer for my school’s National Junior Honor Society.” Autumn Kakes with a “K” was inspired by Autumn’s own uniqueness. “I wanted a business name that was unique and that reflected me,” she said. “I’m different and I like to do my own thing, which is why I spelled kakes with a k instead of a c.” Autumn participated in The Young Entrepreneur’s Business Fair this past summer. She baked and brought 144 cupcakes to the event and left with only seven. The success of the event encouraged her to participate in other local fairs including Haymarket Day. Autumn Kakes set up her cupcake display at The Young Entrepreneur Business Fair’s booth for less than two hours and sold the same amount of

Advertisement

cupcakes that she did at The Young Entrepreneur’s Business Fair. Some of the flavors of cupcakes Autumn said are most popular are her maple bacon, Reese’s peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate, vanilla almond, vanilla coconut and mango coconut. Autumn also creates custom flavors for her clients at their request. This isn’t just a current hobby for her. She plans to take her talent to the next level one day by opening up her own bakery. “I want to be a baker, I want to have my own bakery,” she said. “My mom said she might retire as a teacher one day and be a baker at my bakery. I want her to have a good retirement. When my business is successful I want her to live with me and I want to take care of her. She always has supported me in my business. Without her teaching me how to make banana bread I might not have discovered my passion for baking.” You may end up seeing Autumn Kakes on the Food Network. Autumn has applied twice to be on The Kids Baking Championship on Food Network television. She made it through an online video interview with one of the show’s producers. Although she has not yet been selected, Autumn said it has been a great learning experience to try to make it on the show.

Her advice to other young entrepreneurs is, “Never give up. If someone doesn’t have faith in you, don’t listen to them. Maybe they didn’t succeed themselves. If you want to do something and you have your mind set on it. Do it! Even if you try and it fails, it’s impossible if you don’t try.” If you’re interested in tasting one of Autumn’s amazing cupcakes she will be at this year’s Young Entrepreneur Business Fair, which is taking place Sunday, June 28. But you don’t have to wait until then to try these sweet treats. You can also place your own order here: autumnkakesorder@yahoo.com. Her cupcakes range in price depending on the flavor, ingredients and décor. They usually start at about $10 for a half dozen. Follow along with Autumn and see photos of the beautiful cakes and cupcakes she has decorated on her Instagram: @autumnkakes. For more information about The Young Entrepreneur Business Fair email youngbusinessfair@gmail.com. We would love to meet your young entrepreneur and to help them grow their idea or business!

SATURDAY, JAN. 11 New Year, New Wine!

@ The Winery at La Grange, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket Start the new year off with a cheers! Join us for a tasting of 12 wines that we think you should be drinking including three sparklings, four whites and five reds. All of the wines will be available for purchase with pick up the following week. With a case purchase, your tasting fee will be credited toward your purchase. Time: Arrive to taste anytime between 1 p.m.-2 p.m. | Cost: $25 wineryatlagrange.orderport.net

TUESDAY, JAN. 14 National Dress Up Your Pet Day

@ A Dog’s Day Out, 6680 Fayette Street, Haymarket Celebrate national dress up your dog day! www.adogsdayout.com

SATURDAY, JAN. 18 Parent’s Night Out

@ Code Ninjas, 7543 Somerset Crossing Drive, Gainesville Drop the kids off for a super fun evening of STEM challenges, puzzles, robotics and more. Ages: 7-14. Pizza and beverages provided. Time: 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. | Cost: $40 per child www.codeninjas.com/parents-night-out/vagainesville CALENDAR ofEVENTS

SATURDAY, JAN. 25 FRIDAY, FEB. 7 IPAWS Fundraiser 2020

@ Club Eclipse, 5615 Wellington Road, Gainesville This fundraiser supports iPaws, an organization that assists people with veterinarian bills to save their pets. Performances by Skinny Wallace, Native Wind, Something Country and Soul Kitty 6. There will be auctions and a 50/50 raffle as well! Time: 1 p.m. www.eclipsebarandbilliards.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 1 Sweet Julia Grace Bingo Night

@ Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club, 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville This Sweet Julia Grace Charity event is not your typical bingo night. Your ticket to this fun-filled evening includes all-you-can-eat food stations and 11 rounds of bingo. As if this were not enough fun for one evening, there are also live and silent auctions, a 50/50 drawing, a ton of raffles, a special kids korner and so much more! Time: TBA | www.sweetjuliagrace.org

Night to Shine, Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation

@ Park Valley Church, 4500 Waverly Farm Drive, Haymarket Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. On one night, February 7, 2020, 655 churches, from around the world, hosted Night to Shine for 100,000 honored guests with the support of 200,000 volunteers! Time: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Cost: Free, but tickets are required www.parkvalleychurch.com

SUNDAY, FEB. 9 GFWC Dominion Woman’s Club “Girls Gone Bunco”

@ Piedmont Country Club, 14675 Piedmont Vista Drive, Haymarket Come and join the fun, as we raise money for local charities. Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.dominionwomansclub.org

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 Women’s Empowerment Event

@ Out of the Blue, 5005 Wellington Road, Gainesville Dinner Seminar—Take Control of Your Financial Future: Five Things Every Woman Should Know About Investing. Presentation by Kyle Giesting, CIMA, regarding the unique financial circumstances women face. A strong financial strategy is vital. Here’s an opportunity to ensure your financial strategy fits your lifestyle and needs by exploring five money questions critical for women. Dinner will be served. Please bring a guest. Hosted by Deborah Trnka, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones and Kyle Giesting, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. Time: 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. | Cost: Free RSVP by Tuesday, Feb. 4 -- 571-248-8267 or joi.ruther@edwardjones.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 22 Polar Plunge 2020

@ Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge Prince William Polar Plunge 2020: “Get Chilly with P Willy” at the 2020 Polar Plunge benefiting the athletes of Special Olympics. There will be music, food trucks, games and door prizes. Also, the famous COSTUME CONTEST, so come in your favorite costume. Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Cost: $100 polarplunge.com/prince-william

SATURDAY, FEB. 22 Monte Carlo Night – Warrior Retreat at Bull Run

@ Serve Our Willing Warriors Haymarket, 16013 Waterfall Road, Haymarket Monte Carlo Night is one of the year’s biggest SOWW fundraisers. This mission-critical event raises dollars for the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run and sponsors respite stays for wounded, ill and injured service members and their families. The evening will consist of casino games, gaming tables and fundraising activities. All proceeds benefit the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. Time: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. | Cost: $75 willingwarriors.org

SATURDAY, FEB. 22 Draughts & Laughs: Beer and Comedy Show at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run

@ The Farm Brewery at Broad Run, 16015 John Marshall Highway, Haymarket This is an unforgettable evening of laughs and drinks at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run featuring the finest that comedy has to offer, paired with The Farm Brewery’s fresh signature brews. Tickets are extremely limited for this special engagement and will go quick. Time: Show starts at 8 p.m. Arrive early to grab a drink (or two) and pick your seat. | Cost: $22.85 www.thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com

FRIDAY, FEB. 28 Coffee Club with Deborah Trnka, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones

@ Out of the Blue, 5005 Wellington Road, Gainesville Informal discussion about current events, the economy and investing in a relaxed setting. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served. Please bring a guest. Time: 9 a.m.-10 a.m. RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 19-- 571-248-8267 or joi.ruther@edwardjones.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 7 BEACON Literacy’s 7th Annual Scrabble© Scramble Fundraiser

@ Linton Hall School, 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow Scrabble ® Scramble is a fun night filled with two games of competitive scrabble, prizes, and raffles. Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Cost: Teams register and compete as a team of 4 and pay $120 per team. beaconliteracy.org/supporters/special-events

SOLD HOMES

Dominion Valley Subdivision

SQUARE FOOTAGE IS ESTIMATED

TOTAL FINISHED ADDRESS................................SQ. FOOTAGE ..........BEDS ... BATHS............... TYPE.............. LIST PRICE ....LIST DATE .......SOLD PRICE....SOLD DATE

15108 Jupiter Hills Lane.......................4,923 ...........................4............. 3/1................... Detached...................$649,900....... 9/23/2019................ $640,000 ..... 11/21/2019 4652 Allens Mill Boulevard..................4,380 ...........................5............. 4/1................... Detached...................$569,650....... 9/26/2019................ $540,000 ........12/6/2019 5206 Bonnie Brae Farm Drive.............6,713 ...........................5............. 5/1................... Detached...............$1,049,900....... 9/30/2019.............$1,015,000 ..... 11/25/2019 5608 Solheim Cup Drive ......................4,536 ...........................3............. 3/1..... End of Row/Townhouse.....$549,900....... 7/20/2019................ $500,000 ..... 11/22/2019

Piedmont Subdivision

TOTAL FINISHED ADDRESS................................SQ. FOOTAGE ..........BEDS ... BATHS............... TYPE.............. LIST PRICE ....LIST DATE .......SOLD PRICE....SOLD DATE

13779 Piedmont Vista Drive ...............4,606 ...........................4............. 4/1................... Detached...................$644,900....... 9/20/2019................ $644,900 ..... 11/18/2019 14364 Chalfont Drive ............................4,207 ...........................5............. 3/1................... Detached...................$599,000....... 8/24/2019................ $595,000 ..... 11/15/2019 14707 Corner Post Place ......................2,578 ...........................3............. 2/2..................Townhouse .................$435,000....... 9/21/2019................ $432,000 ..... 11/22/2019 5908 Amber Ridge Road......................3,610 ...........................4............. 2/2................... Detached...................$639,900....... 5/22/2019................ $603,500 ..... 11/25/2019 6011 Wake Crest Court .........................3,988 ...........................4............. 2/1................... Detached...................$600,000....... 9/12/2019................ $597,000 ..... 11/21/2019 6021 Dunnbrook Terrace.....................4,380 ...........................5............. 3/1................... Detached...................$549,900.....10/17/2019................ $560,000 ..... 11/11/2019 6226 Conklin Way...................................1,976 ...........................3............. 2/1..... End of Row/Townhouse.....$379,000....... 9/30/2019................ $370,000 ........12/4/2019

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

Irish Dancing

in the Nation’s Capital

By Marianne Weaver Reagan Middle School student Madison Wilkes claimed a top spot at the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) Southern Region Oireachtas that was held at the Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor the first weekend in December.

Wilkes, who dances with Misneach Irish Dance Academy, placed fifth out of field of 43 in the girls under 12 traditional set competition. Traditional set dances use choreographies that are passed from generation to generation. Although schools might incorporate tiny nuances, the overall choreography is the same around the world.

The Oireachtas (pronounced Uh-ROCK-tus), is a regional championship where dancers compete to qualify for national and world championships. Misneach Irish Dance Academy is a Madison Wilkes

member of the southern region, which includes dance schools from Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Mexico. More than 2,000 dancers competed at the three-day competition.

This article is from: