BENNETTSVILLE — In the city of Bennettsville, even its youth are on the move! Local entrepreneur Kyle Williams is the youngest vendor with Kyjo’s Corner to take up residence inside Grandma’s Treasures, an exciting new business venture featuring a variety of items, furniture, and décor, all offered by a select group of vendors and located at 122 South Marlboro Street.
Kyle, who just turned 11 this past Monday, said he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug early and says owning, operating, and managing a business are skills he will apply towards all future endeavors.
“I already know I want to own my own business when I get older,” Kyle said, adding, “There are many things to learn.”
A student at McColl Elementary School, Kyle says many of the lessons he has already learned have helped him in various subjects — particularly math.
“I chose Grandma’s Treasures to open my first space because it is a great place to start,” Kyle said, gesturing around him at a store truly filled to the brim with treasures.
His business, Kyjo’s Corner, reflects some of Kyle’s most passionate interests: family, faith, baking, and baseball.
Kyle says his interest in baking came when he was tooling around the kitchen looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. Not finding anything that satisfied, Kyle says he broke out the baking pans, sugar, eggs, and flour and went to town. What came next is an array of impressive looking cookies in tasty flavors like M&M [a favorite of Kyle’s!], Cookie Monster, Five Chocolate, Nutella, and even Banana Pudding.
Kyle not only collects baseball cards, but he has also played 12U baseball for Marlboro County Parks and Rec since the tender age of four. He plays shortstop, pitcher, and catcher. He credits his affection for the game to stacks of very precious baseball cards he inherited from his father and Uncle. Kyle also sells some of his baseball memorabilia at Kyjo’s Corner along with his cookies, keychains, cross necklaces, and other items.
Throughout his brief tenure as an entrepreneur, [he started at just 5-years-old!] Kyle has worked towards raising money for the humane society many times. A pet lover, Kyle has three dogs and two cats at home he cares for.
“My goal with Kyjo’s Corner is to make money, but also to put smiles on people’s faces and make a difference,” Kyle explained.
Already accomplishing this long before opening Kyjo’s Corner, Kyle put his words into action, visiting with several of Marlboro County’s first responders and praying with them back in 2025.
“I wanted to share my faith, and I wanted them to know they are loved and supported,” Kyle said.
Both Bennettsville Fire Chief Chris Burks and Bennettsville Police Chief Sammy Crosland were eager to share the impact Kyle’s visit had on their departments and its morale.
“Kyle’s visit reminded us of the strength we find in faith and community. For someone his age to come in, pray with our firefighters, and encourage them meant a lot. His kindness made a lasting impact on our department. We’re proud of him and wish him the best of luck in his new business adventure,” Chief Burks said.
Chief Crosland said the prayer and visit meant a lot to him and his department.
“Master Kyle Williams visited the department in a show of community support and appreciation for local law enforcement. During his visit, he gathered with officers, offering heartfelt prayer and specifically lifting up their safety, well-being, and strength as they continue to serve and protect the community. Master Kyle Wiliams spoke openly about his concern for the challenges officers face on a daily basis, acknowledging the risks associated with the profession,” Crosland said.
He added that Kyle’s encouragement for officers to look out for one another, and to stay grounded in both purpose and faith while carrying out their duties personally affected his department.
Crosland added, “In addition to his words of encouragement, Master Kyle Williams presented each officer with small Christian themed gifts as a token of the positive relationship between the department and members of the community who continue to stand behind them. The visit concluded on a positive and uplifting note, leaving officers encouraged and appreciative of the continued support from citizens who recognize and value their service. We are fully behind supporting Kyle in his business venture!”
Naturally Kyle’s parents could not be prouder of their son, the businessman.
“He has always had a knack for making a way to get to what he wants without depending on anyone else to fund it. His Nana used to say he could sell ice to an Eskimo,” laughs Kyle’s mom, Brandi Williams.
Williams says her son has “worked his butt off” to earn the money needed to afford a booth at Grandma’s Treasures, along with the startup supply costs.
“Like I always say: ‘I’m just the transportation and his dad’s the muscle,” Williams said, adding, “He’s a really good kid and I’m proud to be his momma.”
Grandma’s Treasures will be holding its grand opening celebration Monday, April 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. Be sure to come out, show your support, and meet Kyle!