Genius STEM Kits

Ava Simmons, 13, from Durham, North Carolina, built a business selling science experiment kits and teaching others.

May/June 2026

By Susan Cosier

Scholastic: Why did you start your business?

Ava Simmons: In 2020, when I was 7 years old, my mom and I started making YouTube videos of me conducting experiments because I loved STEM and STEAM, but my school didn’t offer it. One of the first ones we did was make hand sanitizer for my grandmother. Then we watched a video about making electricity with a lemon, but it wasn’t kid friendly. So we gathered supplies and did the experiment ourselves!

At first, the videos helped me learn—and it was fun. Then I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in 2021, which means that I read and write backward. Writing and reading video scripts helped me practice those skills by myself. I realized that I was just as smart as scientists!

I noticed that not many schools include STEAM for kids younger than fifth grade. But I wanted to share what I had learned with other kids, so I started going to elementary schools and conducting science experiments, showing younger students how to do things like make electricity with salt water. We started putting kits together by hand with the supplies I used during my presentations and shipping them. That’s how the kits came about.

Meet Ava, the Business Whiz

Watch a video to hear from Ava about running a business.

Ava has sold more than
50,000
STEM Kits!

Scholastic: What’s the best part of running your business?

Ava Simmons: I love to meet new people! I’ve met a lot of people I still hang out with today. I also love to come up with new ideas and impact kids at the schools where I visit. On visits, I do an experiment, we have a dance party, and then I share my story. I want to engage you, to show you something that’s going to make you want to listen, encourage you by sharing my story, and empower you by leaving something behind for you to use in the future.

Ava packs up kits with Sharon Walton, the production manager she works with at the distribution center.

Scholastic: What math do you use to run your business?

Ava Simmons: Before I started my business, I created a business plan. This is a document that helps you launch and run your business. It describes what your business does, who your customers will be, what your planned income and expenses are, and more. It’s like a road map for how to run your business. As your business grows, you can update your business plan!

Every day, I use subtraction, addition, and multiplication to calculate my profit and to know my inventory. I use subtraction when I give away or sell products. Say I have 600 kits in my inventory and Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina, buys 200 kits to sell in their store, then I know I have 400 left. Before I buy a product to use in a new kit, I have to know my budget and how much I can spend.

Ava hosts STEAM Fridays at The Boys & Girls Clubs in Durham, North Carolina.

Scholastic: What advice do you have for kids who want to start a business like yours?

Ava Simmons: Believe in yourself. Keep going. Write a business plan. Do your background research, and always look at your data. Give back to the community. When you help the community, they’re going to want to help you. Never let your challenges define your success or future.