Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Lauren Harris, an eleventh-grade student at Sumter County High School, won the local FLEX competition and placed third at state. FLEX stands for Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurial Experience. FLEX allows students who have a business or wish to start one an opportunity to gain business experience in a shark-tank style competition. Participants go through a series of work-shops, starting with a business plan workshop, business finance, marketing, and how to pitch their business to a panel of judges.

Lauren’s Fragrances was the business Harris used to win the local competition selling a line of gender-neutral perfume. Harris presented her business during the April 17 school board meeting, starting with a commercial highlighting her product. “My brand started in August of 2024 when I first started school. I first had only six scents, but thanks to FLEX, I was able to expand to 14 different scents, with new ones on the way.” She credited FLEX with greatly increasing her marketing and business knowledge. “I’ve learned a lot about statistics and new ways to market yourself online.” Harris’s business is FDA approved and vegan.

Harris had several bottles on display. “I’m currently working on getting patents for my bottles and my brands. So everything you see up here will soon be trademarked, and I do plan on pursuing this throughout college.”

As the Sumter County winner, Harris received $3,000. After placing third in the state finals on April second, she won an additional $2,500.