Rockwood's Lyla keeps it colourful with re-used crayon business

Life is full of colour for Lyla Cole from Rockwood.

The eight-year-old began Lyla's Crayon Factory, a small crayon business that uses old and broken crayons to make new ones for anyone feeling crafty and creative.

The goal for Lyla is to work hard so she can earn money for horse camp next summer.

"Lyla really liked horseback riding camp this summer. She asked if next year, she could have more than one week there. Since it is a pretty expensive camp, I told her that maybe she could earn some money to go for more than one week," said Lyla's mother, Laura Ruth Cole.

"And so, she thought this would be a great idea."

Since starting Lyla's Crayon Factory this past summer, the Grade 3 student, who also loves to colour, says orders just keep rolling in.

"I saw something about making crayons online with my mom and we thought it looked like fun. So, we went and got an alphabet mould. And that's how it all started," Lyla said.

Laura Ruth, who operates her own small business, says she was excited to see her daughter eager to take part. 

"She wanted to come to one of my vendor markets. I loved that she had shown interest. And so, I thought It would be great for her to have something of her own," Laura Ruth said.

Lyla's main products are her customized name crayons. She also offers crayon packages in various themes including unicorns, mermaid tails, animals, poop emojis and dinosaurs that are perfect for small gifts, loot bags, party favours and stocking stuffers.

"We sell crayon letters, Christmas trees and snowflakes," Lyla said.

"With the letters, we make names and put them in separate packs."

Lyla is also making "25 Days of Crayons" Advent Calendars for December.

"Just this past week, it seems people are starting to get ready for Christmas shopping. We've been getting a lot of orders already," Laura Ruth said.

Lyla's Crayon Factory uses crayons that are preowned, whether it be old, broken crayons, crayons that are gathering dust when kids outgrow them, or donations from local restaurants.

"We reached out to several restaurants after learning that many of them are required to use a new pack of crayons after each guest, meaning they often end up throwing out tons of crayons that were barely, or not even used," Laura Ruth said

"Since crayons are a petroleum product, they can't be recycled, so they end up in the landfill. We wanted to have Lyla learn more about environmentally responsible business practices, sustainability, and circular economy."

So far, Lyla's Crayon Factory has received donations from Boston Pizza Guelph, Montana's Guelph, and BeerTown Guelph, as well as many crayons from families in Guelph, Rockwood, and surrounding areas.

Lyla says what is special about her business, is that it is a family-owned and operated.

But it does not happen without a lot of hard work.

"It's really evolving as it's getting busier and busier. It is a lot. Her mom and dad help, and her nan and uncle. It's evolving into the whole family getting involved in helping out with the work," Laura Ruth said.

"It's exciting getting the order in, but then you have to make the order and finish it. Lyla has been learning a lot including math skills and about giving change back when people give her money," Laura Ruth said.

Lyla's Crayon Factory can be found on Instagram and on Facebook. Crayons are available at the Rural Roots Artisan Shoppe and Tea Lounge in Rockwood and orders can also be placed via email at [email protected]

Lyla's Crayon Factory will be attending its very first vendor market on Saturday, Nov. 30th at the Stellar Christmas Market at Rockmosa Community Hall in Rockwood.

Laura Ruth says Lyla is always accepting crayon donations. Arrangements can be made for pick up, and friends at The Refill Bar in downtown Guelph have also offered to be a crayon drop-off location.

"Lyla's earnings are going towards activities, programs, and for her education, as well as some fun money for her," Laura Ruth said.

"Since Lyla is just 8-years-old and her main focus is on school and being a kid, this business has become a family business, with all of us pitching in to help."

When not selling, making, or colouring with crayons, in her free time, Lyla enjoys skating and horseback riding.

When it comes to Lyla's Crayon Factory, she says she wants to continue with the business for awhile.

"It's really fun to be creative," Lyla said.

"And I really like making people happy."