By Dominique Butts
Community News: Learn about a local girl who turned compassion into a business here in Sioux Falls.
JUST THE BEGINNING
Every Wednesday evening, after church, my daughter Cyann and I made our way to Windy City Bites downtown. A ritual we both looked forward to. Nestled across from the Bishop Dudley House, the restaurant became more than just a spot for good food. It became the starting point of something unexpectedly sweet.
We’d often arrive around the same time that the houseless were lining up outside the Bishop Dudley House, waiting for a chance at warmth and shelter. Their presence did not go unnoticed by the five-year-old Cyann. One particularly rainy evening, as people huddled for cover, Cyann turned to me and asked, “Can we buy umbrellas for them?”
Her heart had spoken, and I couldn’t have been prouder. I explained how expensive that could become. Not concerned about the cost, Cyann simply wanted to help. She piped up with “I know how we can make the money,” so confidently.
I braced myself for a wild answer, such as robbing a bank, because what could a 5-year-old possibly have in mind? But she surprised me: “We can sell people stuff that I like!”
And that’s how She’s So Sweet was born.
Cyann’s love for all things sugary, such as candy, slushies, snow cones, and lemonade, sparked the idea for a sweets stand with a purpose. With a bit of help, she came up with her business name that I instantly LOVED, created her logo using Canva, and started building her dream from the ground up.
Her unique flair quickly became part of her brand. Cyann doesn’t just make treats; she invents them. Slushie flavors mixed in wild combinations, lemonade with an unexpected twist, and snow cones with quirky toppings are offered. Once, I tried to improve her lemonade recipe. We had friends and family do a blind taste test. The results? Her original recipe won, hands down. She was on to something.
We spent weeks practicing. She learned to use the slushie machine, twist perfect cotton candy, squeeze fresh lemons without help, and pour syrup just right to avoid snow cone disasters. I stepped back as much as possible, letting her take the lead.
In June 2024, She’s So Sweet officially launched.
Cyann set her first goal: to sell enough treats to be able to donate 10 umbrellas and 10 ponchos by the end of summer. Not only did she reach that goal, but she surpassed it.
When the colder months arrived, Cyann shifted gears, revamping her menu to include homemade apple cider, hot chocolate, and caramel apples. It was a learning curve (neither of us knew how to make any of those from scratch!), but she perfected her own cozy versions by adding her signature “sass” to every recipe.
Along the way, the educator in me made sure to tie in real-world lessons. We talked about business startup costs and charitable giving. She paid back her “business loan” (a.k.a. mom), opened her bank account, and now manages her debit card. Watching her beam with pride while talking to her banker, Abby is priceless. I just sit back and let her handle it. She knows exactly what she wants and needs.
Cyann also helps with setup and cleanup at every event. While we focus mainly on child entrepreneur fairs, she’s the boss, so she chooses which events we attend. Her mission to help others is still strong, but she has added saving for a trip to Disney World.
This summer, we’re dreaming bigger: we hope to invest in a food cart for She’s So Sweet, and add mini donuts with sass to the menu (her latest obsession). Her support system is INCREDIBLE. ACE ACADEMY, where she attends school, cheers her on in multiple ways. As the youngest and only girl, her big brothers do the heavy lifting. Brahden, her middle brother, doesn’t hesitate to work an event if needed. Her best friend is always willing to keep her company, helping wherever she can. Friends, co-workers, and teachers show up to support. The love is felt.
At only seven years old, Cyann has managed to build something beautiful: a business that blends joy and generosity, creativity and compassion. And as long as she’s having fun, She’s So Sweet will keep spreading sugar and kindness one treat at a time.
About the Author: Dominique is an educator, mother of four, and the proud supporter of She’s So Sweet. With a passion for nurturing creativity, she supports young changemakers, starting right at home. When she’s not juggling life at its fullest, she’s cheering from the sidelines as her kids turn compassion into action.
