Bakers extraordinaire and co-CEOs of Little Sistas Treats, 13-year-old Zyaire and 11-year-old Char’Les Hawkins are prepping for a big Mother’s Day. The sisters, who run a sweet shop from their home in Highlands Ranch, will offer chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, cupcakes, cookies, and roses all wrapped in lavender boxes in honor of their grandmother, Vivian E. Hawkins, whose favorite color was purple.

Their other grandmother, M. Faye Vaughn, who was a chef and restaurateur for more than 50 years, is one of the girls’ inspirations for creating Little Sistas. The two planned their menu and flavors in the back of a coloring book, and established the business in 2020. They’ve since been featured in several local and national news outlets, sold their treats at events such as the Juneteenth Festival, and given speeches to inspire other young girls to become CEOs. 

“The best part is working together—trying not to argue—and trying to come up with new ideas, experimenting on new flavors,” Zyaire says.

Zyaire and Char’Les are speaking with local business owners and researching expansion options, with their sights set on a food service truck and storefront. For now, customers can place orders online and the girls’ “momager,” Marietta, will deliver them within Highlands Ranch city limits.