Two young performers from Nova Scotia are taking entrepreneurship into their own hands, proving that passion, sustainability, and hard work can go hand in hand.
Ten-year-old Grace Duplissea of Halifax and 12-year-old Frankie Parnell of New Glasgow are not just kids with big dreams. They are budding entrepreneurs determined to fund their modelling and dance careers, one scrunchie, leg warmer, and closet clean-out at a time.
Grace, a model, actor and student, is no stranger to the runway. She was first signed at the age of eight, and has already walked in one Halifax Fashion Week and is preparing for her second appearance this summer under the theme “Blueprint,” which focuses on sustainability.
Duplissea, who is now using her platform to spread awareness, and give pre-loved items a new home. “I can sell pieces that I have, that are of high quality and in great condition. This will ensure that they find a new home, and I can also fundraise for myself.”
The funds will help cover essential costs such as her model kit, shoes, hair products, and travel expenses, getting to and from shoots and rehearsals.
Duplissea was involved in a 2024 fundraiser for IWK. “When I was fundraising through Beyond The Runway, it was great knowing I was helping kids like myself, and I got to meet a lot of new people while doing it,” she said.
“It taught me that the community gives back,” Said Duplissea. She has a strong drive to pave her own path, and give people their flowers along the way. “I especially want to give back to my parents,” Duplissea said. “Some shoots are in far locations, and that can be expensive. I hope to be able to give back and prove to everyone that it is going to a good cause. I want to be that person who is making a change, but I also want to make my parents proud.”
Her mother, Bessie Duplissea, said Grace’s initiative shows maturity beyond her years.
“As a mum, it is so touching for me to see that she wants to take charge,” she said. “Grace is giving back and being a young entrepreneur. This is going to teach her to be resourceful. The fact that she wants to pay us back for the money we pour into her chasing her dream is honestly very thoughtful, and it touches me.”
Over in New Glasgow, 12-year-old Frankie Parnell has also been crafting a path toward her artistic dreams—literally. A dancer, singer, actor, and model, Frankie has represented Canada twice at the Dance World Cup, once in Prague and again in Spain. She is also a contestant on Canada’s Got Talent with her dance crew, the 902 Crew, and is preparing for the show’s 2026 season.
To help fund her training, travel, and competition fees, Parnell launched a handmade business selling bracelets, scrunchies, totes, and leg warmers—many made from leftover fabrics sourced from her own home.
“My mum has always loved sewing and crochet,” she said. “She would crochet leg warmers for me, and that gave me the idea to make these to sell them. We use leftover fabric, and that helps cut down costs and it’s also zero waste. This helps save fabric from going to landfills.”
According to Parnell, dance has not only shaped her career—it’s shaped her identity.
“With dwarfism and being short, dancing helps me feel like I am six feet tall,” she said. “Dance has helped keep me entertained, focused and motivated to be the best possible version of myself and keep shining.”
But the cost of pursuing a professional dance career is steep. Parnell estimates her training and competition-related expenses exceeded $40,000 in the past year alone, largely due to travel costs and international competitions.
“Dance is expensive because we have to drive to different locations—for choreography, competition fees, eating out, your costume, hair, makeup, classes—it all adds up,” she said.
Both of these young talents are proving that with heart, hustle, and creativity, even young kids can take control of their futures and make a difference. Whether it’s clearing out a closet or sewing a scrunchie, these Maritime talents are making every stitch and sale count.
And perhaps more importantly, they are showing other children that they too can take up space, shine in the spotlight, and chase their dreams with confidence.
This article appears in Jul 1-31, 2025.
