When it comes to a budding young entrepreneur, there’s no better example than 13-year-old, Alfie Goodwin's sweet success.
Alfie has been running Sugar Tongue, a business which specialises in American candy, since September, last year.
However, running a business is no new feat for young Alfie, as this is his second after he was selling gaming grips through his first business Bulwark Gaming – another business named after a Whitehaven landmark.
“I'm not sure what I want to do when I'm older, but I want to make enough money to be able to buy a Tesla,” he said.
The St Benedicts pupil’s stall is a regular at markets and fetes throughout Cumbria, but no more so well-known that his monthly appearance at the Whitehaven Young Entrepreneurs Market.
"I'd like to do more markets and use it as a chance to advertise the business’ online space, keeping the in-person sales going well but also to keep the online sales coming through too.
"I promote my business mostly through TikTok and since September I've had over 200 online orders that I've sent out throughout the entire country, it's where I get most of my orders from.
"Without social media, I wouldn't be where I am today," he said.
Since bringing the business to TikTok, Alfie has amassed over 2,000 followers and has delivered his sweety goods to just under half of all UK postcodes.
Alfie's dad, Marc Goodwin, said he is "very proud of his son" for doing everything in his business himself – even to the extent of covering the financial spreadsheets and dealing with the distribution process.
"It's great he loves doing it and it's even better he's learning real life working skills," he said.
Alfie said he enjoys school but he's getting a real taste for entrepreneurial side of things.
"The fact I’m thirteen and have over 100 different brands for sale, is really what sets my business apart," he said.
And whilst most of would struggle to keep our hands out of the sweetie jar ourselves, Alfie also admits that’s a challenge.
"I have probably eaten over a £100 worth of stock, so far," he said.
You can order Sugar Tongue’s delectable treats from online or you can catch Alfie at the Whitehaven Young Entrepreneurs Market this Saturday (April, 9).
READ MORE: 'It's the best thing I've done for my family' - Meet Whitehaven's Mrs McCourt's Munch
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here