Camden Myers, a 9-year old entrepreneur from North Carolina, has recently opened his first coffee shop called Cam's Coffee Creations. Having personally experienced developmental challenges, he combined that and his knack in business to also open job and training opportunities for people with special needs in his coffee shop.
Overcoming challenges
Myers suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth, and has struggled with his social and learning skills throughout his entire life. But that didn't stop him from succeeding in business even at such a young age. He initially put up an online store and a pop-up shop selling coffee. He most recently opened the coffee shop's first permanent location inside the Green Tree Community Center in his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
"With the right support, kids and teens and individuals with special needs really can accomplish anything, and so today is basically our mission, our vision in action," said Latasha Lewis, Cam's mother at the grand opening ceremony.
Why his coffee shop is unique
What makes the coffee shop more special is the people behind the counter. Students who have disabilities from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools were trained and hired to serve the customers. Aside from world-class brewed coffees, the coffee shop also offers baked goods from BeSpoke Confections, a company whose employees all have autism.
After the success of his first grand opening, Myers looks forward to opening more locations and having a mobile coffee shop. Donations to support his mission in providing training and work experience for persons with special needs are very much welcome.
"I like helping people. I like working. I like making money and I like donating money. I like donating money to people who don't have houses or food," Myers said.
For more information about Cam's Coffee Creations or to donate, visit www.camscoffeecreations.com or follow him on Instagram @CamsCoffeeCo