Girls empowered for their futures through program

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Some teens and young girls are building a foundation for a better future by learning to make and sell gourmet candles. 

Their candles shine a positive light on empowering the next generation of business women. 

Crystal Bailes says, "We try to bring them face to face how that decision that they are getting ready to make could affect their future."

Bailes is the founder of GEMS, Girls Empowered Mentally For Success. Her goal is to transition young teens into productive adults.

"We believe that anything that keeps her from moving forward is a barrier and that makes her at risk so we instill resiliency and strength," Crystal said.

The girls are part of Transition Candles, a paid internship program creating scents and making candles to sell to the public.

Rickeemia Graham participates in the group and says, "It's a good experience cause it's teaching me how to build in life and what I want out of life."

They attend workshops, college prep classes and welcome adult mentors. 

"I'm instilling in them proper character, good value, assertiveness," Crystal said.

The program is helping these teens have a bright future as they transition into adulthood. The girls are students at Chamberlain High School. The candles are made at Seventh Ave Apothecary.

For more information, visit www.transitionscandles.com.