By Chuck Fieldman

Henry Casson may only be a 9-year-old fourth-grader. But that hasn’t prevented the Downers Grove resident from already being able to add “entrepreneur” to his life experiences.

Henry’s mother, Kelly Casson, said her son’s interest in running a business goes back to late 2022 when he became very interested in vending machine businesses he found on YouTube.

“He would watch these young YouTubers run their vending machine businesses and make a lot of money,” she said. “He decided that he wanted to get into the business.”

Henry used some money he had from his First Communion to purchase a small gumball-type machine. With his new machine and 300 bouncy balls to fill it, Henry was hoping to find a business in Downers Grove or Hinsdale that would allow him to place his machine inside in exchange for a percentage of money made from sales.

“We approached many local businesses, but they were not very receptive to the idea, mostly because they didn’t envision kids using bouncy balls in their shops as being good for their own business,” Casson said.

That may have bumped that first business idea out of the picture or, at least, on hold. But it didn’t discourage Henry from moving forward toward his goal of running his own business.

“Henry has seen kids doing lemonade stands around town, and he always said how he wants to do one someday, but for selling other things,” his mother said.

With his first business idea not feasible, Henry decided to open his own stand when the farmers market and Tuesday night concerts in the park started this summer in Downers Grove.

“He saw an opportunity to have a lot of foot traffic by our house since we live so close to both events,” Casson said, adding that Henry’s opening date was June 22 outside of the family’s house.

“I wanted to do it so I could earn money and also put it towards other things,” Henry said. “I think it has been going well.

“The best part is that I get to sell things and make money and meet a lot of people. I don’t dislike anything about it, really, but the part that I like the least is that it can take up most of my day, and I don’t have as much time to do other things with my friends.”

Henry said some of his friends know about his business venture, including Ollie, who has joined him in trying it out.

The number of items offered for sale at Henry’s market increased after he first opened for business.

“I thought cold drinks would be good for hot summer days, and I added candy and other things that I thought kids would like to buy,” he said. “For the first month or so, I sold cold waters, gatorade, and juice. People asked for lemonade, so I started selling cans of regular and zero-sugar lemonade.”

Right from the start, Henry had the support of his parents, Kelly and Mike Casson.

“We thought it was a great idea for him to do a store,” Kelly said. “It was a little surprising to us how he didn’t hesitate to put himself out there because he used to be extremely shy around everyone. When his former and current teachers found out about his store, they were almost in disbelief that he was doing this.”

Henry’s mother believes once Henry made the commitment to start his business, it helped him overcome the shyness he had previously shown.

“Being able to make all the decisions about his market empowers him,” she said. “He is challenged to learn real-life lessons in a tangible way. I am so impressed with his independence and confidence since starting his store.”

Cold drinks and candy have been staples of Henry’s Market, but the offerings went beyond beverages and food as time went on. He added bracelets, which proved to be a popular move. And that worked out especially well when he decided to also set up his stand outside of his grandmother’s house on the 300 block of North Garfield Street in Hinsdale.

“Sometimes people ask for bracelet colors that I have sold out of,” Henry said, adding that he and his grandmother have made the bracelets. And his grandma, Mary Ellen Casson, was more than happy to offer a place outside of her Hinsdale house and join in with the bracelet making.

“Henry was doing well in front of his house, but he knew Hickory and Garfield was prime real estate for his market,” she said. “I told him how little kids from around the block would set up lemonade stands on my corner.”

Henry’s grandmother wasn’t at all surprised when she learned that he had started his own business.

“He’s always willing to help me with the things an older grandma can’t do anymore in order to earn money,” she said. “He’s got quite a selection of things for sale, but his bracelet business is my favorite. He’s been beading since he was around 3 or 4 years old.

“He’s the one who is responsible for me getting interested in making bracelets and taking it to another level. I’m very proud of him, and besides, he’s so cute.”

While he has enjoyed setting up in both his locations, Henry said he prefers the Hinsdale spot.

“It’s a busier area, and there are a lot more people driving by the corner where she lives,” Henry said. “Grandma’s location has much better business.”

While his business is seasonal by its nature, Henry’s plan included the addition of hot chocolate and apple cider for cooler fall days and a weekend schedule lasting until colder weather cuts down on his business traffic.

But while his business may hibernate for the winter, Henry hopes to be back next spring.

“I’d love to continue doing it,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed this, and I learned that you can accomplish anything if you try.”Henry Casson