From Vision to Venture: Young Entrepreneurs Shaping DeSoto’s Future

Across DeSoto County, young people are doing incredible things, not only pursuing their passions but also giving back to the community that supports them. In the DeSoto Digest, we’re spotlighting two local youth who are using their talents, creativity, and drive to make a meaningful impact at a young age.

Mini Interview
Jayla Coone, Freshman Student, Links to Success Student Ambassador, and Owner of Jazzy Jay Bakery

1. What made you decide to start your own business here in DeSoto?
I am a 16-year-old young lady who started my baking business because I love baking. I have always liked baking since I was little. My very first bake sale was on Martin Luther King Day at my grandma's house when I was just 10 years old. I would go to my grandma’s house and bake with her all the time. My desire to bake came from both my grandmothers. My parents have had a catering business for many years before I started, so starting my business was not hard since my parents were already well known. I would definitely give thanks to my Uncle Gabriel because he is the one who came up with the name of my business, “Jazzy Jay’s Bakery.”

2. What do people in our community love most about what you sell?
People in my community like that I am a young entrepreneur who is dedicated to making my customers smile and be happy.

3. Where do you usually set up or sell, and how has the community supported you?
I usually do pop-up bake sales at my house or my grandma’s house. The community has supported me in many ways, but the main one is that my supporters stick with me. If they order once, they order again.

4. What’s been the most fun or exciting moment since you started?
The most fun and exciting part is when my whole family and I set up and sell at events like MLK Day. The most meaningful moment was being able to do a bake sale fundraiser for a friend who passed when I was in middle school. We had an amazing turnout, and it was truly a blessing for the grieving family. I truly understand the meaning of giving back, so I try to do what I can in my community.

5. What would you tell other kids in DeSoto who want to start their own business?
I would tell other kids to go for it and believe in themselves. Having a strong support system makes a big difference. My family, including Big Boy Plates and Brother Man BBQ, has been a huge part of my journey, and I am very thankful because it might not have been possible without them. I am truly blessed to be part of a family and community that supports me.
 

Tre’sor Mitchell, 7th Grade Student, Member of Links to Success Youth Exploration Program, and owner of Sweet Sassy Sips 

1. What made you decide to start your own business here in DeSoto?
I decided to start my business in DeSoto because this is my home. I’ve always had ideas and creativity in me, and I didn’t want to wait until I was older to use them. Starting here means everything because this community is what pushes me to keep going. And I wanted to make my own money. 

2. What do people in our community love most about what you sell?
I think people love that what I sell comes with effort, creativity, and care. Seeing people smile, support me, and come back really shows me that what I’m doing matters.

3. Where do you usually set up or sell, and how has the community supported you?
I usually sell at events, pop-ups, and within my community. The support I’ve received has been really meaningful. People don’t just buy from me, they encourage me, share my business, and remind me to keep going. That support is a big part of why I’m still growing.

4. What’s been the most fun or exciting moment since you started?
The most exciting moment has been seeing my idea turn into something real. Watching people enjoy what I created and take me seriously, even at a young age, is something I’ll never forget. It makes me proud of how far I’ve come.

5. What would you tell other kids in DeSoto who want to start their own business?
I would tell them to believe in themselves and not wait for the perfect time, because it might never come. You just have to start, stay consistent, and trust your vision. Being young doesn’t stop you; it can actually make you stand out.

This scripture has really stuck with me over the years of building my own business. “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”  1 Timothy 4:12