Young sisters keep eyes on future

Home-schooled sisters Genavive and Madeline Dodge spend many Saturday mornings at the Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market. Under the shade of a portable cover, they greet customers and sell Genavive’s photographs. Articulate and businesslike, the girls have a handle on what it takes to be entrepreneurs.

Genavive, 14, has been a photographer for four years. She captures nature at its best – from rocks and twigs to clouds and color formations in the sky.

“I love photography and capturing small bits of God’s beautiful artwork,” she said.

She has made about $350 selling her matted photographs. Recently, a customer asked Genavive to take a family portrait. Her plans for the money do not include bling, but a mutual fund.

Madeline, 12, also has her eye on the future. She has been taking ballet lessons for 10 years. Lately, she has been learning to teach others and has four students. She also likes interior design.

“I helped design this house,” she said. Their family of seven lived in a small area off a garage for 18 months while, without much outside help, they built their Post Falls home.

The girls learned not only how to build a house but how to work together as a family. “My family is not afraid to take chances if it will better our spirituality and character,” said Genavive.

“They both have entrepreneurial spirits,” said their mother, Teresa Dodge. The girls have been raised to fend for themselves and to count on themselves rather than others.

Family is most important to the girls, and they feel blessed by theirs.

“I hope to someday be a light to those that need help, and I would like to help the world become a more family oriented and loving place,” said Genavive.

The sisters are proud of who they are and work hard at being good examples for others.

They also ride horses, sing at church and help others as often as they can.