Lilah’s Cluck Shack hatches a bright future

This past weekend, the Glenboro Agricultural Society opened the first farmers’ market of the season in Glenboro. The morning was bustling as shoppers browsed vendors offering everything from homemade baking to fresh vegetables and preserves. Joyce Wilton, one of the event organizers, commented that attendance was really positive as was the variety of items showcased by the vendors.

While each table featured an impressive selection of locally produced goods, one vendor stood out from the rest. Behind the Cluck Shack display stood an energetic, smiling 10 year old entrepreneur, Lilah Clements of Glenboro.

While many girls her age dream of fairy tale adventures or magical powers, 10 year old Lilah’s dreams have always been of running her own business.

When asked what inspired her entrepreneurial spirit, the Grade 5 student didn’t hesitate.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own business, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted it to be,” she said.

With such a catchy name, the rustic yet professional display it is no wonder Lilah made such an outstanding debut.

Her cinnamon buns sold out almost immediately.

“I wanted to make $180 so I could buy six more laying hens,” she said with a cheerful smile.

Lilah didn’t just reach her goal, she surpassed it, earning $227 during her very first market.

Her entrepreneurial journey began shortly after her family moved to their acreage outside of Glenboro last August. The chicken coop was already there, and she immediately knew she wanted chickens. The wait until spring seemed endless, but while she waited patiently for her flock to arrive, another opportunity hatched.

Family friend, Mercedes Dowd, noticed Lilah’s interest in baking so took the opportunity to teach her how to make homemade buns.

“I practiced all winter,” she said.

The practice paid off.

By market day, Lilah had prepared seven dozen dinner buns, trays of cinnamon buns, pizza pinwheels, cookies, rice krispie squares, cupcakes, and of course fresh farm eggs from her growing flock.

The cinnamon buns were quickly the best seller.

“We learned people wanted cinnamon buns more than cookies,” said Lilah. “Next week I will make more buns then cookies.”

It’s exactly the kind of lesson many business owners learn only after years of experience.

Lilah also discovered that careful planning is just as important as baking. Throughout the week she prepares dough using her bread makers, freezes it, then bakes everything fresh before Saturday morning’s market.

Following the success of her first market Lilah is already looking ahead. She is currently setting up a website for preorders and in the meantime, customers can follow the Cluck Shack on Instagram or Facebook.

Along with fresh baking, the Cluck Shack sells farm fresh eggs for $5 a dozen or $3 for a half. Customers were especially fascinated by one unique member of Lilah’s flock that produces beautiful blue eggs.

Every chicken has a name, and so does the family Rooster, Steve, who officially belongs to Lilah’s younger brother, Braxton.

“He looks after all the girls,” laughs Lilah.

There are also four young ducks that should begin laying eggs soon. Lilah and her mom, Brittany Cullen explain that duck eggs are larger and prized by many bakers for their richness.

Although Lilah enjoys baking all kinds of treats, cookies remain her favourite to make. She loves experimenting with new ideas, often finding inspiration on Tik Tok, and plans to introduce new flavours throughout the summer.

Behind every successful entrepreneur is plenty of support. Lilah’s mom, Brittany helps with the bookkeeping and keeping track of expenses, while friends and neighbors have encouraged her every step of the way.

But despite the support, the drive comes from Lilah herself.

When asked what motivates her to have her own business she thought for a moment then answered, “I think my goals of getting more hens.”

It was a simple answer that said a lot.

Rather than spending her profits, she reinvests them right back into the Cluck Shack, carefully growing her flock one hen at a time.
And one day she hopes to have enough to buy that Highland cow.

For now, Saturday mornings will be spent at the farmers’ market, Wednesday through Friday will be devoted to baking.

For a ten year old with a big dream, the Cluck Shack is much more than a weekend project. With every loaf, bun and carton of eggs she sells, Lilah is learning valuable lessons about budgeting, customer service, marketing and perseverance; all while building the business she has dreamed of for years.

When she isn’t busy in the kitchen or caring for her growing flock, Lilah can be found scoring points for club volleyball or batting in runs for her softball team, proving there is still plenty of time in her busy schedule for sports and being a kid.

Between her positive attitude, solid business plan, plans for expansion and popularity at the Farmers’ Market it is a safe bet to see the Cluck Shop being as sweet a business as the delicious cinnamon buns offered each week.

PHOTO CAPTION: Lilah Clements will be a regular at this year’s Farmers Markets in Glenboro on Saturday mornings.