Sisters Kourtnie and Kalia Yarbrough are what people call “kidpreneurs.” The 11-year-old sisters have structured their own business, Sassy Sisters Slumber Party Set-Ups, and have set up more than 80 slumber parties across the Mid-South. The sisters use teepees, tents, pillows, and other decor to create a sleepover experience for other young children and even adults.
Kourtnie and Kalia
The sisters created their business in July 2019. “The idea was born from the sisters requesting a teepee party last year for their very own birthday party,” Crystal Yarbrough, the sisters’ mother, says. Their parents granted their wish and purchased items for their party. “The sisters immediately thought that they could share their extravagant sleepover experience with others while gaining financially.” By saving their allowance, investing in their business, and with financial and physical support from their parents, the business was able to grow.
The sisters were chosen to take part in the Memphis Children's Business Fair and won a financial gift and awards for Most Original Business Idea. The sisters also have made donations to A Step Ahead Foundation, Peabody Half Pints for Half Pints, and Southern Reins Equine Therapy Center to assist in fundraising.
“Sassy Sisters Slumber Party Set-Ups was created to provide an extraordinary and extravagant sleepover experience to others, and we hope that our customers are not only pleased with the outcome of their party set-up but inspired and encouraged by the Sassy Sisters' youth and diligence at such a young age,” Yarbrough says.
At only 11, the sisters still balance household chores, getting good grades in school, and cheerleading. “The girls have a structured schedule to include homework assignments, studying, competitive cheer practice, chores, and preparing weekly set-ups for their business,” she says. “The Sassy Sisters encourage any aspiring black girl entrepreneurs to build their own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.”
The kidpreneurs have big dreams for the future. “We plan to continue to build our brand by opening a storefront, where parties can be hosted inside our very own building,” Yarbough says. Their first book, The Adventures of the Sassy Sisters, is scheduled to publish this summer. “We hope to eventually franchise our company across the United States.”