School District Five student wins YESCarolina competition
Irmo, SC - Rising Irmo High School ninth grader Tyra Jefferson may be young but she is an entrepreneur who is well on her way to accomplishing her goal of becoming a chef.
She won 1st place at the 8th Annual YESCarolina Business Plan Competition held on May 3, 2019 in Charleston. Out of 42 students, Tyra was the youngest and only 8th grader that competed in three rounds of business plan presentations. The presentation was similar to the television show Shark Tank, where contestants have to present in front of judges. Tyra won $3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to New York with her mother Wylondria and teacher Mrs. Norma Brown.
“I was so excited to compete in the competition and winning first place was very exciting,” Tyra Jefferson said. “It is pleasing to know that my hard work payed off in the end.”
Jefferson is no stranger to competition. She has appeared on two different shows on Food Network, and was a finalist on each show. In 2016 she competed on the inaugural season of Food Network Star Kids and in 2017 she competed on Kids BBQ Championship.
Since these shows aired, Tyra has started her own business and blog, Tyra’s BIG World of Flavor. The blog informs everyone about her meals, recipes, catering events, personal chef events, speaking engagements, dancing engagements and much more.
"I am one PROUD MOM! Mainly because what Tyra did at the YESCarolina State Business Plan Competition was all her,” said Wylondria Jefferson. “I could not have taught her to present the way she did. My job is to love, guide, encourage, and support her every goal and dream."
With the money that she won from the YESCarolina competition, Tyra bought camera equipment so she can start her own YouTube channel.
“I’m impressed by the creativity, diligence, and talent of Tyra Jefferson,” Irmo Middle School Principal Cassy Paschal said. “At such a young age she has already accomplished so much. I congratulate Tyra on winning the YESCarolina competition this year and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for her. Way to be #IrmoStrong Tyra!”
To learn more about Tyra’s company visit: https://tyrasbigworldofflavor.wordpress.com.
