Vicky Holderson, an owner of Little Beakers, told the Sandy City Council during public comment that she and her husband started the children’s science studio in Sandy about five years ago and that the business was built from an at-home birthday party.

"My husband and I own the Little Beakers. We started here in Sandy about 5 years ago," Holderson said. She described the center’s origins: "We started Little Beakers. We had no idea this is where we were gonna go. Our daughter was turning 6 and she wanted a science party. We did some research and we set up basically like a little beakers in our house."

The studio offers hands-on activities aimed at teaching the scientific method and problem solving. "It's a place where kids can come to learn science, critical thinking, and apply themselves to the scientific method," Chris Holderson said. Vicky Holderson added that the program provides a place "to make mistakes, to have things not work," and said older students work on projects such as testing and revising catapults.

Owners said the studio can host events of about 35 children and that parents have told them they see noticeably increased curiosity in their children after visiting. "We had a birthday party last night, and 1 of the parents who'd never been here before said, I've never seen curiosity sparked that way in a child. I saw my daughter's eyes open," Vicky Holderson said.

The Holdersons said Little Beakers chose Sandy because of the local community resources and that being recognized with the Sandy Residents' Choice Award signals they are "making a difference in our community." "Being given the opportunity to grow with the community has been wonderful for both of us," Chris Holderson said.

The remarks were delivered during the meeting's public comment period and did not involve any formal council action.

The Holdersons identified themselves at the end of their comments: "My name's Vicky Holderson." "I'm Chris Holderson." "We are the owners of Little Beakers, and we are the winners of the Sandy City Residents' Choice Award."