There’s a good chance that many of us remember spending hours on the floor playing with action figures, dolls, toy cash registers or makeshift forts assembled from whatever we could find around the house. As children, we invented characters, created worlds, assigned jobs and built up elaborate stories—all powered by our own imaginations. Looking back, I think it was really my first time delving into the world of creativity; I always enjoyed telling a lively background story for all of the toys I played with.
I find it remarkable that children today are doing exactly the same, but now with new opportunities at their fingertips. We might’ve had lemonade stands, offering 25-cent beverages, but today’s youth are building full-fledged brands. Passions for art, baking, gaming and more are becoming the foundation for businesses before a child even reaches high school—and Woodbury is brimming with budding entrepreneurs!
Acacia Daniel is one of many of those faces. At just 7 years old, Acacia, alongside her mom, Sarah Daniel, has built Dough-Licious Cookies, a local cottage bakery business featuring jumbo gourmet cookies. Acacia’s imagination sparks new cookie ideas daily, such as her idea for a friendship cookie. I recall Acacia’s excitement during our conversation when inspiration struck—Acacia wanted to honor her best friend, Luna. “Half of it is pink, and half of it is blue. One has frosting with an ‘A,’ and one has frosting with an ‘L’ for Acacia and Luna,” Acacia said, her face lighting up with a smile.
Creativity extends far beyond the entrepreneurial spirit. This issue explores design and how it shapes the way we live and express ourselves. Madison Grainger showcases her love for Minnesota through her thoughtfully designed and painted kitchenware; then discover a home overflowing with imaginative and whimsical artwork and elements; and meet an artist who looks toward local landscapes as inspiration.
I bid adieu with one last thought for you, Readers. Remember: No matter how old you are, your imagination is one of your greatest tools. Use it often, stay creative and keep exploring the world around you.
Until next month,
Hailey Almsted
