Nine-Year-Old Olivia Barber Creates Earrings for Hearing Aid Users

A nine-year-old from Mount Forest, Ontario, is making a significant impact by creating fashionable earrings specifically designed for hearing aid users. Olivia Barber, who has worn hearing aids for most of her life, was inspired to start her own business, Livie’s Earring Aids, after meeting another girl at speech therapy who felt self-conscious about her hearing aids.

Olivia’s journey began when she noticed that the other girl did not like how her hearing aids looked. Determined to help, Olivia went home and expressed her desire to her mother, Leah Barber, to create something that would boost the girl’s confidence. With Leah’s support, Olivia began experimenting with different designs, leading to the launch of her earring business.

Turning a Passion into a Business

“I got this gift for my birthday that was supposed to be for making bracelets,” Olivia explained during an interview with Craig Norris on CBC KW’s *The Morning Edition*. “But I wanted to make something different, so I tried making earrings.” After successfully creating her first pair, Olivia realized that there was potential for a larger collection, prompting her to consider a business model to reach others who could benefit from her designs.

Olivia takes custom orders and also sells pre-made earrings at Optimum Health in Fergus. She has received positive feedback from customers who express their delight with comments such as, “Thank you, these are beautiful,” and “These are the best; I’ll probably get another pair soon.” The joy Olivia feels when customers smile or send her pictures of themselves wearing her creations is a driving force behind her work. “It makes me very happy,” she said.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

In addition to running her business, Olivia has taken steps to give back to the community. She has started donating earrings to retirement homes, including Columbia Forest and Birmingham, where many residents wear hearing aids. “I like hanging out with older people,” Olivia shared. “It makes me really happy. I thought they might want a pair of earrings too.”

Leah Barber, Olivia’s mother, expressed pride in her daughter’s initiative. “She’s such a sweet girl with a kind heart,” Leah noted. “Her desire to help others has really blossomed into something meaningful.” She describes Olivia as an outgoing child with a natural entrepreneurial spirit, stating that her confidence and creativity have always stood out.

As Livie’s Earring Aids gains more attention, Olivia continues to innovate and expand her collection. She mentioned that her favorite pair of earrings changes frequently but that her current favorite resembles a sunset. Those interested in Olivia’s creations can find her on Facebook by searching for Livie’s Earring Aids or visit her retail partner at Optimum Health in Fergus.

Olivia Barber is not only helping her peers embrace their hearing aids through stylish accessories but is also demonstrating the power of compassion and creativity in business. As she pursues her passion, Olivia is setting an inspiring example for others, proving that even the smallest initiatives can lead to significant community impact.