By Kimberly McGee
A kidpreneur said this at the last market: “confidence shows up after.” So true. We go into difficult situations hoping everything goes smoothly, while our insides are doing cartwheels of worry.
That’s true for parents, kids, small business owners. Vegas Kids Zone began as a way to help parents find trusted resources. But very quickly, it became about something bigger: community.
That mission is woven throughout our February issue of Vegas Family Insider, which is dedicated to American Heart Month.
This year’s cover story features CJ Forgionne. Survivor of 9 heart surgeries before the age of 9, he is noxw the young founder of CJ’s Traveling Hearts, a nonprofit supporting cardiac kids and their families. CJ’s journey reflects what we’re about. He didn’t just have a kind idea while recovering in the Sunrise Children’s Heart Surgery Center. He learned how to grow it. He’s a regular at our monthly kidpreneur markets at Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet. Over the years, he gained the confidence and tools to expand his reach and help more children. Giving kids a platform early builds skills. It also builds purpose.
This February also marks our second year of the Heart of the Community Awards, which recognize kindness, leadership, and everyday heroes, many of them kids. These awards matter because they tell our community what we value. Not just accomplishments, but empathy. Not just success, but heart.
Lately, my own courage to do hard things has come from watching our kidpreneurs. At nearly every market, there’s one child who starts out nervous, half-hidden behind their table. Other kids step in. They offer encouragement, share tips, cheer them on. That first sale happens. Then another. Soon, that same child is making eye contact, telling their story, standing taller. Watching that shift reminds me to focus on what’s possible, not what could go sideways.
Confidence doesn’t arrive fully formed. It grows in moments like these, surrounded by encouragement and opportunity. We see it every day with kids discovering their voices, families finding connection, and a community choosing to lead with heart. When we show up for our kids and for each other, confidence follows, along with all the beautiful things that truly create the heart of our community.
Kimberley McGee is a twin mom and award-winning journalist and publisher of Vegas Kids Zone Media. Visit the website at www.. vegaskidszone.com