When a child takes an idea, puts it out into the world, takes risks, fumbles, tries again, learns and grows in confidence — that deserves to be celebrated. This giveaway exists to do exactly that.
Young Entrepreneurs Branding Giveaway
Celebrating capable kids with big ideas — and giving them the tools to be seen.
Big Ideas. Brave Kids.
The Why Behind This Giveaway
I’ve always had a strong connection with kids. I love their honesty, creativity, and willingness to try — even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. I want to be their cheerleader, supporting them through both success and failure and helping them feel truly seen.
Kids who start businesses are doing brave, remarkable work. They’re learning problem‑solving, communication, resilience, and self‑belief — skills that will serve them for a lifetime. I deeply respect that courage, and this giveaway is my way of showing support.
My goal is to create a full, fun experience for the young entrepreneur. Together, we’ll plan the shoot, letting them decide what to focus on and what they want to showcase. The photos are all about telling their story — giving them pride and confidence while showing the impact of their ideas. They'll also receive their own photo lesson, so they have tips and techniques to take great pictures themselves.
Through this experience, young entrepreneurs see that their efforts matter. That confidence carries into how they speak about their ideas, how they show up, and how willing they are to keep going. No matter where their business takes them, this moment — this experience — becomes a part of who they are. That’s the power of photography.
A Personal Story
This initiative is personal for me. I’ve seen firsthand how photographing the big ideas of my own brave kids has supported their confidence and growth.
My 20-year-old daughter is now a professional pastry chef. Long before she worked in professional kitchens, she was baking cupcakes, candy, doughnuts, cake pops, macarons, and cakes at home — for years and years. Naturally, I was photographing her creations constantly.
When I asked her how photos helped her business, her simple answer made absolute sense:
“I knew I made something really nice, but it didn’t help when I had horrible photos of it. It makes a difference when people see a nice photo of my work.”
She was right. You can create something wonderful — but if the photos don’t reflect that quality, it doesn’t show. Strong images don’t just help others understand your work; they build confidence and help you feel professional.
I’ve seen this again with my 17-year-old son, who recently started his own snowplow business. Proper photos of his work helped him see his business seriously and feel professional. I’d love to offer this experience to more kids and see them gain the same pride and confidence through photography.
What This Giveaway Includes
The selected young entrepreneur will receive:
- A complimentary branding photography session by Janet of Visual Hues Photography tailored to their business
- Professional images they can use for websites, social media, posters, and promotions
- A photography lesson with me — teaching them how to photograph their own products or services moving forward
Cherry Tree Lane Toys loves to see the imagination, creativity and skills of young makers and is adding to the excitement with:
- A $50 gift certificate and a guaranteed sport at their April Mini Makers Market (April 11 or 12) for the winner
- Two $50 gift cards for runner-ups
Who Can Be Nominated
This giveaway is open to kid‑run and youth‑led businesses — whether they’re selling products or offering services. Big or small. New or established. Polished or still figuring things out.
What’s a kid? Still in school — elementary, junior high, or high school. Even if they are 18, if they’re still in high school, they’re eligible.
If you know a young entrepreneur who is:
- Brave enough to put their idea out into the world
- Learning through trial and error
- Growing in confidence and creativity
…I want to hear about them.
Can you nominate yourself? You bet!
Do you know a kid who deserves to be seen, celebrated, and supported?
Nominate them (or yourself!) for the Young Entrepreneurs Branding Giveaway and help shine a light on their work.
Because kids are capable. Because their ideas matter. And because a great photo can help them believe it too.
— Janet Pliszka, Visual Hues Photography
Official Rules
Eligibility
- Nominees must be a kid-owned or teen-run business (18 & under and currently in school).
- Business must be located in Calgary and surrounding area (including Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, and Chestermere).
- A parent or legal guardian must support the business and provide written consent.
How to Enter
- Nomination must be submitted through the official nomination form.
- One nomination per business, but businesses may be nominated by multiple people.
- Self-nomination is allowed. Parental consent required if they are winning entry.
Giveaway Period
Opens: January 15th
Closes: February 15th
Winner announced: February 16th
Prize
- One complimentary branding photography session for the young entrepreneur’s business.
- High-resolution and web-resolution images included.
- Location determined collaboratively with Janet and the parent/guardian.
- Photography lesson included: learning how to best photograph their product or service (camera or device).
- Prize has no cash value and is non-transferable.
Winner Selection
- Winner will be selected by Janet from eligible nominations.
- Janet is looking for young entrepreneurs who embody creativity, courage, and big ideas.
- Selection criteria include:
1. Passion & Purpose – Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm and meaningful intent.
2. Effort & Initiative – Shows commitment, drive, and perseverance.
3. Future Intent – Has clear plans or aspirations for their business.
4. Positive Impact – Makes a positive difference for others or the community.
- Parent/guardian will be contacted directly; if no response is received within 72 hours, another winner will be selected.
Consent & Releases
- Parent/guardian consent and model release are required. Images will be shared on Visual Hues Photography and Kids Photography Academy websites and social media.
- Without consent, prize will be forfeited and another winner selected.
Platform Disclaimer
This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. By entering, participants release Meta and LinkedIn from any responsibility.
General Conditions
- Janet reserves the right to cancel or modify the giveaway if necessary.
- Any attempt to manipulate the giveaway will result in disqualification.
- By entering, participants agree to these terms.