PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot day? Honestly, ice cream is good any time.

The Sweet Boutique on High Street in Portsmouth has become a favorite stop for residents, and the Chamber of Commerce voted it the top new business to watch.

“I always thought the Sweet Boutique was going to do well. It exceeded my expectations,” said 16-year-old Mischa Smith, one of five owners of this colorful little shop.

It didn’t happen overnight. Mischa started churning up the sweet idea in fifth grade while participating in the Envision, Lead, Grow program.

“I believe the entrepreneurial mindset starts early, and oftentimes women and girls are told what they can’t do,” said Dr. Angela Reddix, the founder of the nonprofit that enrolls middle school students and teaches them skills to

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