Schoolkid launches his sweet business venture

Once a month, Livi Hirawani delivers treat foods to businesses around Hamilton.

The 15-year-old entrepreneur is the brains behind Cheat Day, a business he set up in April.

With the help of his older brother Ezra, he delivers donuts, fudge, cupcakes and popcorn to 20 businesses around the CBD.

‘‘The purpose of Cheat Day is it’s once a month, so people can eat healthy for the rest of the month and once a month we drop off sweet treats to big and small businesses for them to have a cheat day,’’ Livi said.

The foods are sourced from Mamas Donuts, The Girl on the Swing, The Fudge Dealer and Sweet As Popcorn.

Some of the businesses that have contracted his service include Sentinel Homes, ACC, Deloitte, Work and Income, Fonterra, Corrections Department, Ministry of Social Development, ANZ and Cleland Hancox.

Livi started the business for three reasons.

He loves good food in generous portions, but in small doses. He tries hard at school but finds the work tough. And he wants to make his parents proud of him.

‘‘At school, I’m not very smart. I asked my parents if I was allowed to drop out, but my parents want me to stay in school.

‘‘This is my way to get out and give them an option. I realised that I was never going to be the smartest person around, but that I could put my mum and dad’s worries about my future to rest by chasing a dream, which isn’t Cheat Day, but is business.

‘‘Cheat Day just happens to be my first business and I love it.’’