Gabby Desch is just 9 years old and she’s already started her own business – Kindness4Kids. Along with help from friends and family Gabby has been baking, decorating and delivering birthday cakes to underprivileged or sick children on the Sunshine Coast. So far she has helped more than 10 children. Gabby’s now looking for volunteers to join her team and help bake cakes so she can make even more children smile on their special day!

We first met Gabby almost twelve months ago at our inaugural SHINE Business Women Conference, and it’s been amazing to watch her form an idea, create a business and commence her quest to help others who are not as fortunate as herself. Gabby is a dynamo and an inspiration – taking action and actually delivering. Her new website is released this week so make sure you check it out! And in the meantime, let’s chat to Gabby and see what she has to say…

So Gabby, what made you want to set up a business?

Going to see Sebastian Terry at a conference that mum and I went to. He said helping people is really important, I already knew it was important, but he showed us some pictures and things he has done and I thought that I really wanted to do that too.

What tools should all business have to get started?

When I started my business I did business planning on a piece of paper and worked out what I needed and what things people could help with. I think you also need a notebook and a special pen that you can write in every day. A special pen helps because it keeps you more motivated to write about what you’re doing. I’ve also been asking mum and dad for a laptop and a phone.

How important is supporting and helping others?

VERY important because if you were people that didn’t have much you would like it if someone came and helped you. It makes me feel really good when I hand over cakes because I know the person will be happy and grateful.

Who inspires you and why?

1. Sebastian Terry because he was the one who I wanted to start my business because of
2. My mum because she owns a business and she teaches me stuff
3. Zoe Sparks because she writes amazing books about businesses

So what’s next on the cards for Gabby Desch – share with us your plans…?

At the moment I’m just doing cakes but I also want to do school supplies that people can donate to kids. I also want to make some little gratitude journals for kids (adults can have them too), and inspirational cards. If someone is not having a good day then they can look up and see a card that says something good and they’ll feel better.

Favourite celebrity and why?

The Haschak sisters, they’re on YouTube. I like the songs they sing.

What’s your favourite subject at school – will this help you with your business?

I have two favourite subjects – reading and story writing. Writing will help when I write letters to people and I’ll also write my other business plans and emails. Reading will help when I read over everything and I’ll become smarter.

What is your favourite quote?

When it rains look for rainbows and when it’s dark look for stars.