King kid captures success

Lincoln Gill is not only a prospective scientist, he might just be be the youngest entrepreneur in the State.

The eight-year-old from Port Hedland started his business King Lincoln Caps last year and has since impressed friends, family, school teachers, locals, and strangers with his funky hat designs.

Lincoln’s mother Simone Gill helped get the business up and running in June last year after he approached her with an interest in how retailers operated and generated sales.

Mrs Gill provided Lincoln with a $150 loan, and said it had been a fantastic learning experience so far.

“I really enjoy doing the business with Lincoln, its a really good learning experience,” she said.

“When we went to the markets, he was disappointed that more people weren’t buying his product; we explained to him that it wasn’t because they didn’t like what he was selling, they just might not have needed it. It teaches patience and helps to set him up with life skills.”

As that day progressed at the JD Hardie Youth Centre markets, Lincoln sold 11 caps.

Lincoln employed his elder brother as second-in-charge, but instead of taking a salary, he helps out of love.

He has been selling the hats for $20 and put the income towards a family trip to Japan in November last year. It was here that Lincoln found inspiration for his favourite hat, which features the Pokemon logo on the brim.

Lincoln said the response on his Facebook page had been overwhelming. Not only did Lincoln’s school friends at Baler Primary school in Hedland jump on the bandwagon, teachers supported his business by purchasing the caps and wearing them around the school.

The youngster is now working hard to save for another family holiday to Ireland at the end of next year. When he is older, the prospective science graduate would like to to take his degree to Antarctica where he can help save penguins.

West Australian Small Business Commissioner David Eaton said showing entrepreneurial skills at an early age was a good indication a child may pursue business ownership when older.

Mr Eaton said Small Business Development Corporation received a number of enquiries from young people seeking business advice.

“Running a business takes courage, creativity and determination and any young person who has the get-up-and-go to develop a clever idea or provide a sought-after service should be supported,” he said.

Mr Eaten said Facebook was a popular, low-cost platform for young people with clever ideas for their businesses.