(Lisbon) Morning Journal / Stephanie Ujhelyi Ellie Kaley, 7, shows some of the supplies she donated to Angels For Animals in Canfield from her Ellie’s Glitter Lab proceeds. Kaley also donated a $100 check that will be doubled as part of a campaign by one of Angels’ volunteers toward facility upgrades.

CANFIELD — Ellie Kaley, a 7-year-old student at West Branch Elementary School, marked her first six months in business by celebrating with a few dozen kittens at Angels For Animals.

The Mahoning County-based animal adoption nonprofit is in the midst of a campaign to upgrade its facility.

While Ellie didn’t walk away this week with a kitten, she and her mother Renee came to Angels’ headquarters with a $100 check — which will be matched as part of a current campaign — as well as a variety of supplies, ranging from paper towels and window cleaner to Temptations’ cat treats and peanut butter to be inserted in the dogs’ Kong toys.

While most children Ellie’s age are playing video games and fashion dolls, she started her business, Ellie’s Glitter Lab, in July and has spent the past six months selling glitter hair and face gel through the area at cheerleading competitions and craft shows.

With her mom acting as her business adviser, Ellie shared some of the things that she has learned so far in 2025 about business, including selling — it’s not as much about making money as it is making people happy.

Early on, Ellie had struck a deal with her parents that after six months, she could spend some of her money on a cause for which she was passionate

Ellie explained that is where Angels For Animals came into the picture. Years ago, the Kaley family had come to Canfield in search of a new furry friend after one of their dogs died.

They pondered adopting a cat named Winston, who shared the same name as their dearly departed companion. However, they quickly discovered a cat allergy made that an impossibility.

In addition to her regular favorites in her product line, Ellie’s introduction of specially themed lines such as for Halloween and Christmas have proved popular, resulting in a lot of return customers, as well as copycats.

She also does custom combinations based on school colors.

In addition to her Angels donation, Ellie has been able to spend some money on herself. While kittens and puppies are some of her favorite things, her bedroom also got a facelift that would be Elle Woods approved.

After her parents bought her a new loft bed and vanity, they upcycled it.

The decor, which is all pink and Ellie- — not Elle — approved is all courtesy of her money. She even included a reading corner and makeup spot in her room.

Her commitment to her business seems to be holding strong, as mom says that Ellie’s Glitter Lab looks to reinvest in the company and possibly expand to include a new line of hair bows.

For information on Ellie’s Glitter Lab, visit her Facebook page or call 330-550-4741.